It helped to establish quicker and easier transportation. Beginning in Council Bluffs, Nebraska and terminating in Sacramento, California, the Transcontinental Railroad (TR) helped to grow America in the late 19th century. This was a major accomplishment achieved with a lot of hard work and many people contributing. Much has been written and many people have documented how the TR came about.

What this great achievement has to do with anything spiritual is not apparent at first, perhaps. Might I suggest, that when people decide that something will benefit society and there is a will and a way to make it happen, it will happen. Yes, many profited from the building of the railroad.

Yes, many people suffered during the construction unfairly, and yes the railroad benefited some wealthy people more than others. However, it was a great help to allow the country to grow and prosper.

The spreading of the gospel of Jesus has an entirely different goal than one of worldly pursuit. The benefit to society may not be in monetary prosperity, but it is very much of spiritual benefit to mankind. The railroad may have had some people suffer during its construction, but the Lord’s church was purchased with His shed blood. He gave Himself so that His creation could be in a right relationship with the Heavenly Father.

The TR helped to unify a nation. The cross where Jesus was crucified seeks to unify all people everywhere. There is no greater historical event than that of the Lord’s Crucifixion and Resurrection. Peter confidently proclaimed that there is no other name by which man can be saved (Acts 4:11-12).

The Transcontinental Railroad completion is a significant piece of American History. There are many other major historical events worldwide that carry significance as well. Many of these events have contributed to the good of society. However, all major events pale in comparison to the greatest good that the death, burial and resurrection (the gospel: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4) of Jesus brings. May we all acknowledge and strive to be obedient to the gospel of Jesus today and every day.