by AnimalMuppet 3 hours ago
The Union Pacific Railroad (the eastern half of the transcontinental railroad) also caused the financial crisis of 1873 (due to construction costs and various corruption and bribery around financing them). It then went bankrupt in 1893.
So, yes, it transformed the country. That didn't necessarily benefit the stockholders and bondholders.
1. It finished the railroad in 1869. 1873 was four years later. 1893 was 24 years later - a generation.
2. Check out "Nothing Like It in the World" by Ambrose.