Sunday, June 8 | 2 pm
Railroaded: The Industry That Shaped Kansas
In the 19th century, railroads played a pivotal role in shaping the American West, particularly in Kansas, where they spurred settlement, economic growth, and the rise of towns. This presentation examines the railroads’ transformative impact—alongside the profound consequences for the Plains Indians who were displaced by westward expansion.
Railroaded: The Industry That Shaped Kansas
In the 19th century, the railroad industry had a profound impact on the development of the American West. Some argue that Kansas was established primarily to facilitate the westward expansion of the railroads. Railroads brought immigrant settlers, created jobs, and supplied Eastern markets with beef. They also enabled regular mail service and led to the adoption of standard time. Most Kansas towns were founded because of the railroad—and few survived without it. However, this progress came at a significant cost to the Plains Indians, who were forcibly displaced as expansion advanced.
Discover how the railroad shaped Kansas—its people, towns, and untold stories—in this compelling presentation. This presentation explores the complex legacy of the railroads.