History: Rail Transportation In The United States

Much of the actual capital came from Europe—especially Britain and also Dutch and German banks, which purchased large blocks of shares. The Northern Pacific for example, originally financed by Jay Cooke (his bank failed after the Panic of 1873), might not have survived some of its many setbacks without the help of Deutsche Bank. DB held $20 million in NP bonds in 1883, and it was on the road's board until World War I.
- Railroad mileage increase by groups of states
New England - 2,507 - 3,660 - 4,494 - 5,982 - 6,831
Middle States - 3,202 - 6,705 - 10,964 - 15,872 - 21,536