Railroads and American Politics

Agenda for Topic 2: American Politics, Economics, and Business Prior to the Railroads: 1800 – 1830

1. Albert Gallatin's Proposed Transportation Routes

2. Post Roads and Private Turnpikes

3. The Erie Canal

4. The Canal Building Boom to 1840

. Per Capita GDP, 1870-2001 (1990 international Geary-Khamis dollars)

Abraham Alfonse Albert Gallatin (29 January 1761 – 12 August 1849)

Portage Railroad Near Johnstown

The Sault-Saint Marie or "Soo" Canal built in 1855 links Lake Superior and Lake Huron