No matter where you live, the chances of seeing or hearing a train as it rolls through your city or town is high. While many people probably don’t pay much attention to these machines, they still play a vital role in today’s society.

At one time, the railroad was how people moved across the country. Cars didn’t exist at the time, and traveling by horse and buggy was time-consuming and dangerous. Train transportation of people has decreased over the years, but trains are still important. To know each route throughout the U.S., you need a railroad map.

The Role of Trains Today

Even though the automobile has become one of the most popular ways for people to travel, railroads still play an essential role in the U.S. economy. There are still some companies that transport people from one place to another, but the vast majority of trains transport freight.

The products that are moved by the railway system include vehicles, coal, agricultural and food products, construction supplies, energy products, chemicals, and more. On average, the railroads deliver 54 tons of goods per American—that’s a lot of products being shipped from one place to another.

To ensure that everyone gets the supplies and products they need, railroads rely on private companies and investments, and an average of $25 billion is pumped into this industry every year. There is also an average of 140,000 miles of private rail that keeps America supplied and running.

Since railroads are still such an essential part of today’s world, it’s no surprise that you hear them no matter where you are in the country. They may not be taking people from one place to another as often as they used to, but they are bringing the products and supplies needed to live a happy, comfortable life.

Keeping Track of Trains

Trains are the lifeblood of many industries throughout the U.S. Many different lines and tracks travel throughout the country. For those curious to know exactly how many and where they are located, a railroad map can help you with that endeavor.

Some trains travel from one coast to the other with their supplies, while others are regional. In some cases, trains are used for fun and take tourists on sight-seeing tours. No matter what the train is hauling, getting it safely from one destination to the next is imperative—and trains excel at their job.

Trains have been around for a long time, and they have evolved to meet the demands of our growing country. They keep the country running in a variety of ways. Not only do they get products and supplies where they need to go, but they also employ a lot of people, supporting more than 1 million jobs.

The history of trains and the railroad is fascinating, but it is even more interesting to see how it is still impacting the country’s economy. If you are interested in finding out more, there are books and a railroad map for every region in the country that has trains. Whether you are a train enthusiast or just interested in learning more, this is the best way to find out how trains continue to be important in today’s society.