The Interstate Commerce Act of 1887 was a significant piece of legislation in the United States aimed at regulating the railroad industry. It established the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), the first federal agency created to oversee and enforce fair practices in interstate transportation. The Act sought to address issues like unfair pricing and monopolistic practices by requiring railroads to publish their rates and prohibiting discriminatory practices against shippers. This law marked a crucial step in the federal government's role in regulating private industry. It laid the groundwork for future regulations in various sectors and helped to ensure that commerce across state lines was conducted fairly and transparently. The Act was a response to growing public concern over the power of railroads and their impact on the economy.