Amazing Photos From The Old Wild West You Might Be Surprised Exist

Over the next few years, he took hundreds of photographs of the railroad’s progress, from the laying of tracks to the completion of the first transcontinental train journey.

Hart’s photographs provide a unique record of one of America’s most ambitious engineering projects and have been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications.

Today, Alfred A. Hart is considered one of the foremost American photographers of the 19th century.

Building the Transcontinental Railroad

On May 10, 1869, the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads met in Promontory, Utah, marking the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States. The accomplishment was a testament to the vision and determination of the men who had built it.

The project had begun six years earlier, with two railroads working from opposite ends of the country. Overcoming numerous challenges, including rugged terrain, severe weather, and hostile Native Americans, the crews managed to lay more than 1,700 miles of track.

When the last spike was driven into place, it was a momentous achievement not only for the nation but for the world. The transcontinental railroad would change the way people lived and traveled, opening up new opportunities for trade and commerce. It was truly a feat of engineering that had transformed America.

Cowboy Fashion

When you think of a cowboy, what do you see? A rugged figure on a horse, galloping across the plains? Someone herding cattle or rounding up stray sheep? Whatever image comes to mind, one thing is for sure: cowboys are an iconic part of American history. But what did they actually look like?

For starters, cowboys were typically outfitted in practical clothing that could stand up to long days in the saddle. This typically included a button-down shirt, denim jeans, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect from the sun.