In the past, vast stretches of American land remained untapped, lying fallow, and in many cases, undiscovered. True, Americans had started exploiting their more obvious external riches, such as their forests and land. The former had positioned the nation as one of the world’s top shipbuilding countries, while the latter had contributed significantly to the resources that fueled the Federal Government during its momentous historical war.
However, there were still vast prairie plains awaiting settlement, and they would come to be opened up by the extension of railroads in the 1860s and 1870s. States like Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Minnesota, and the Dakotas were only slightly explored at that time. Remarkably, this region boasted a moderate and cultivable rainfall, fertile soil reaching depths of eight inches to twenty feet, and was nearly devoid of rocks except along the streams. Trees were scarce in this vast expanse, making it a dreamland for farming according to experts in the field.
Besides the fertile land, there was also untapped mineral wealth in the country. Rich resources were waiting to be harnessed and put to use. As the nation continued to grow and develop, these hidden treasures would undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future.
The Age of Big Business