Final answer:
The US didn't purchase a single piece of land to build the railroad. Rather, the land was acquired over time through federal initiatives like the Pacific Railway Act, which included land grants and loans provided to railroad corporations intended for track-laying primarily in the west.
Step-by-step explanation:
The piece of land the US purchased to build a railroad was obtained through the Pacific Railway Act and other federal initiatives. This act aided in the commissioning of land to the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads for track-laying primarily in the west, starting from Omaha, Nebraska and Sacramento, California, respectively. The land was intended to facilitate the construction of the transcontinental railroad.
Pacific Railway Act and The Development of the West
The acreage within 200 feet on either side of the track was offered as well as significant additional land grants and attractive funding. This significant federal involvement and investment aimed to stimulate the settlement of the western territories and the economic development of the nation. The specialised legislation like the Homestead Act and the Pacific Railway Act were impactful, transforming westward expansion.
Railroad Financing and Economic Growth
Financing came both from government loans/grants and private capital, totalling substantially in resources, land and funds. The railroads were thus instrumental in fostering commercial expansion, mobility and national unity, underpinning the economic growth of the United States during the period.
Learn more about Pacific Railway Act