The Task

First, you will analyze primary and secondary sources in order to examine the emergence of railroads as a key mode of transportation in 19th century Massachusetts and understand why railroads began to overtake the Middlesex Canal and stagecoach travel in importance. Then, you will complete a graphic organizer synthesizing information presented in the documents and finally you will write a well-organized essay using information from the documents in which you identify and describe three ways that towns and people in Massachusetts changed due to the growth of railroads.
Read about the struggle to build and operate the Boston and Lowell Railroad and why its emergence changed the face of Massachusetts between Lowell and Boston. It may also help you to learn about the decline of the Middlesex Canal.

Process

Process Page