Why did many people think that the building of the transcontinental railroads was a federal government project?

Many people viewed the construction of the transcontinental railroads as a federal government project because it involved significant federal support, including land grants and financial backing. The government aimed to promote westward expansion, economic development, and national unity, which aligned with its interests in facilitating transportation and communication across vast distances. Additionally, key legislation, such as the Pacific Railway Act of 1862, explicitly authorized and funded the construction, reinforcing the perception that it was a federal initiative.