Advertisement for New York Central Lines offering "Cheapest Excursion" rail service to Buffalo for the 1901 Pan-American Exhibition.
Historical Context
Railroads became the dominant means of long-distance travel in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Speed and affordability contributed to the major reliance on trains for the transportation of both goods and people. By 1901, railroads existed throughout the country opening new areas to visitors and settlers. Mergers and other agreements between independent railroads throughout New York, New England, and the Midwest allowed a passenger to purchase one ticket and ride from a city like Boston all the way to Chicago.
The New York Central Railroad was established in 1853 with the merger of ten railroads throughout New York with origins in the Mohawk & Hudson Railroad founded in 1826. In 1901, a passenger could travel by train from Boston to places as far away as Chicago and Peoria, Illinois on the railroads associated with the New York Central Lines. The Boston & Albany Railroad was a separate entity that provided passenger service from Boston, Massachusetts to Albany, New York. Once in Albany, a passenger could take the New York Central Railroad to Buffalo.
In 1901, Buffalo hosted the Pan-American Exposition from May 1 to November 1. The event emphasized the cultures of North and South America and showcased new technological advances and various botanical displays. The fairgrounds were bordered on the North by the New York Central railroad tracks providing easy access from the train. Almost 8 million people attended the fair during those six months in 1901. Perhaps one of the most notable events related to the exposition was the assassination of President McKinley outside the Temple of Music on September 6. He died from his wounds on September 14 ushering in the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt.
Essential Question
How did railroads impact individuals and local communities?
Check for Understanding
Based on the evidence in this broadside, draw two conclusions about the impact of railroads on individuals and local communities.
Historical Challenges
Where did railroads exist in 1901? Which towns and vacation areas became more accessible with the creation of railroads in New York? How did railroads affect New Yorkers politically, economically, and socially? How are railroads still used today? Why has the use of railroads changed so dramatically in the last century?
Interdisciplinary Connections
Art: Design a poster advertising the 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo.
English Language Art: Write an article for a newspaper describing your experiencing riding the train from Boston to Buffalo and the Pan-American Exposition. Be sure to write about both the positive and negative aspects of your trip.
Math: Calculate the total cost of your trip to the Pan-American Exposition using the train rates in the broadside and researching hotel, food, and admission to the exposition. Base your total number of days on the dates listed on the broadside.
Science/Technology: How would a modern-day trip from Boston to Buffalo differ from this one advertised in 1901? Be sure to talk about the timing, cost, and convenience of the types of transportation.
