The Union Pacific, starting in Omaha, Nebraska, was engineered by Grenville Dodge. Peter Dey, Dodge's former employer, recalled that "very soon I discovered that there was a good deal in him. I discovered a wonderful energy." The workforce of Irish immigrants (called Terriers) and Civil War veterans led by General Jack Casemint laid track with incredible efficiency, averaging 2 miles per day.
Struggles of the Union Pacific
Native Americans constantly attacked workers and track.
With no police, the Union Pacific struggled to manage its workforce. More people died from internal crime than Native American attacks.
The Union Pacific started building in 1865, two years after the Central Pacific.
Massive rainstorms slowed the railroad's progress.
The men lived in pitiful conditions. One veteran recalled that "to tell the truth, we were bothered by 'cooties"
Ghost towns left behind by the railraod were frequent.
coloradopast.com
Hell on Wheels- a reusable town that follows the railroad workers as the track progresses. railroad.lindahall.org