how did completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869 encourage settlement of the american west? responses the railroad made it easier for ranchers and farmers to ship goods back. the railroad made it easier for ranchers and farmers to ship goods back. the railroad required immense quantities of iron and coal to build. the railroad required immense quantities of iron and coal to build. the railroad frightened indian tribes, who retreated to reservations. the railroad frightened indian tribes, who retreated to reservations. the railroad led to new discoveries of precious minerals
