- The railroad disrupted traditional Native American trade and travel routes, making it more difficult for them to hunt and gather food. For example, the railroad bisected the Great Plains, which were traditionally used by Native Americans for hunting buffalo. This made it more difficult for them to track and kill buffalo, which were a vital source of food, clothing, and shelter.
- The railroad also brought disease and other epidemics to Native American communities. This was due to the fact that the construction workers and settlers who came with the railroad often carried diseases that the Native Americans had never been exposed to before and Native people lacked immunity. As a result, many Native Americans died from diseases such as smallpox, measles, and cholera.
- In some cases, the railroad was deliberately built through Native American land without their consent, which further added to tensions. The railroad companies often used force or deception to acquire the land they needed, which led to conflict and violence between Native Americans and settlers.
Positive effects:
- The railroad also brought some benefits to Native Americans, such as increased trade opportunities and access to new markets. Some Native American communities were able to use the railroad to sell their goods to a wider range of customers, and they could also use it to travel to new places and learn about different cultures.
- The railroad also made it easier for Native Americans to travel to visit relatives and friends who lived in different communities. This was especially important for Native Americans who lived in isolated areas, as it allowed them to stay connected with their extended family and community.
- In some cases, the railroad also helped Native Americans to preserve their culture and traditions. For example, some Native American communities used the railroad to transport ceremonial objects and other important cultural items to different locations.
- The railroad also helped to unite Native American tribes against the common enemy of the American government and settler. The railroad made it easier for them to communicate with each other and coordinate their efforts.
Overall, the construction of the first transcontinental railroad had a mixed impact on Native American communities. There were positive and negative effects, and the impact varied from community to community.