Spiro Agnew was accused of taking bribes and forced to resign as Vice President of the United States. The charges stemmed from corrupt activity as a public official in Maryland.
I would have to go with Completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869
Specific people who valued religion quite significantly played a role in this. I have studied this material so long ago that I cannot name those particular figures. Do some research and I'm sure you'll be able to find out for yourself.
