Coal powered industry
Coal fueled factories, steam locomotives, power generation, and industrial cities. Railroads supplied the high-capacity transportation needed to move it from mines to customers.
Steel built the railroad
Railroads consumed enormous quantities of steel for rails, bridges, locomotives, wheels, cars, and structures. At the same time, railroads moved ore, coke, limestone, and finished steel for the steel industry.
Industrial corridors
Rail connections helped create major industrial regions around mines, mills, ports, and manufacturing centers.
Changing traffic
Coal remains a railroad commodity, although its role has declined with changes in electricity generation. Metals and steel products remain important freight in many regions.