Grenville Dodge Builds Railroads

In order to view this video, you must install Microsoft Silverlight

This video player uses Microsoft Silverlight.

Time Frame: 1856

Iowan Grenville Dodge helped railroads develop across the United States in the mid-1800s. But people began to question the power railroad companies and their owners had over politicians.
Previous Iowa and the Civil War Image       Next Iowa and the Civil War Image
“From Here to There,” The Iowa Heritage: Program # 6, Iowa Public Television, 1978.

Return to Iowa and the Civil War

 

Transcript

During the Civil War, as a Brigadier General, he provided valuable service in bridge and railroad construction to the Union Army. Today he is the chief engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad. A man to be admired. But Dodge and his railroad are losing popularity. The railroads have a great deal of power; power to set freight and passenger rates as high as they please. They also have a lot of influence in government, so that often they can get the kind of laws that they want; laws that eventually mean higher profits. People are beginning to question these powers saying that the railroads have a responsibility to provide the best service for a fair price. The day is not far off when the people will demand laws to restrict the power of the railroad.

 


Iowa Pathways: Iowa History Resources for Students and Teachers
Home ~ My Path ~ Artifacts ~ Timeline ~ Quest ~ Teacher Resources ~ Project Information ~ SponsorsIowa Pathways © 2005 - 2013 Iowa Public Television