<em>Railroads contributed to urban growth and helped transform Texas from a frontier society to a modern state. Railroad construction became a leading industry. Once completed, railroads supported other industries that relied on transportation across the state.</em>
Español:
<em>Los ferrocarriles contribuyeron al crecimiento urbano y ayudaron a transformar Texas de una sociedad fronteriza a un estado moderno. La construcción de ferrocarriles se convirtió en una industria líder. Una vez completados, los ferrocarriles apoyaron a otras industrias que dependían del transporte en todo el estado.</em>
Alan Brinkley was an American political historian who taught for over 20 years at Columbia University. He was the Allan Nevins Professor of History until his death. From 2003 to 2009, he was University Provost.