How did the expansion of the railroad influence the Westward expansion?

The expansion of the US railway system made private passenger transportation to the western territories allot cheaper, faster and easier for people who wished to settle in the western territories.

The completion of the transcontinental railway system which was completed in 1869 allowed settlers to use the railways to reach destinations that previously were made by slow and often dangerous wagon trains.

It also allowed for food and other supplies to be delivered to the west faster and it was less costly. Another factor was that settlers in the west could be better protected by the US Army who could use trains to move troops more rapidly.