United States Senate Committee on the Pacific Railroad facts for kids
The Senate Committee on the Pacific Railroad was a special group in the United States Senate. Think of the Senate as one part of the U.S. government that makes laws. This committee was created a long time ago, on July 7, 1861. Its main job was to look at ideas for building a huge railroad that would stretch across the entire country.
This important railroad was called the first transcontinental railroad. It was a massive project that would connect the eastern and western parts of the United States. The committee helped create laws, known as the Pacific Railroad Acts, in 1862. These laws gave permission to a company called the Union Pacific Railroad to build the railroad. The government also helped by giving the company land and money to get the job done.
After the railroad started being built, the committee became a permanent group on December 22, 1863. It was part of the 38th United States Congress. Its new role was to watch over the construction of the railroad and make sure everything went smoothly. Once the railroad was finished in 1869, the committee's job was mostly done. It became less important and was eventually replaced in 1873 by a new group called the United States Senate Committee on Railroads.
Leaders of the Committee (1863-1873)
The committee had different leaders, called chairmen, during its time. These people were important in guiding the committee's work.
- Jacob Howard, a Republican from Michigan, was the first chairman from 1863 to 1871.
- William Stewart, a Republican from Nevada, took over as chairman from 1871 to 1873.
