The transcontinental railroad was a significant railway system that connected the eastern United States to the western territories. Completed in 1869, it allowed for faster travel and transportation of goods across the country, reducing the journey time from months to just a few days. The construction involved two main companies: the Central Pacific Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad. They worked from opposite ends, with the Central Pacific building eastward from California and the Union Pacific building westward from Nebraska. The two lines met at Promontory Summit in Utah, marking a pivotal moment in American history.