It is the year 1863.  You live in the small town of Callie springs in the Colorado Territory.  Mayor Fry has called a town meeting to discuss the prospect of the Transcontinental Railroad making its way through your town.  You and a group have been asked to speak on the behalf of one of the following topic groups: Native Americans, Chinese Workers, Farmers, Local Businessmen, or the Railroad Executives.  For the meeting you need to research the perspective that the group you are representing would take.  Are you going to be for or against the railroad coming through the town or area?  Mayor Fry is also the editor of the Callie Springs Times the local, and only, newspaper. She would like for your group to also illustrate a political cartoon that expresses your viewpoint.

            The information that your group will need to complete this activity is on the Internet and in your text.  I have placed links to key web sites on my homepage.  Some of these sites have information that is not needed for this project, so you will have to SKIM through looking for items that apply to your arguments.  Also, look at pictures and see what information you can get out of them (this will help with the political cartoon)

            On the day of the town meeting you will need to have at least two strong arguments with explanations as to why or why not the railroad should come through the town.  Also, be ready to present your cartoon, answer questions from the class and ask questions of the other groups.

General

Pictures of the TCRR