It was not until 1854 that a railroad link right across the nation was taken seriously.
The first investigations were started by the Secretary for War because a transcontinental railroad was seen as so vital.
But then the Civil War began, which put back development, and in any case it was such a huge task that railroad companies needed some persuading even attempt to build it.
So they were given the bonus of vast tracts of land either side of the railroads.
