http://content.wisconsinhistory.org/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/tp&CISOPTR=2578
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baaCdFkHgIY
The first Wisconsin railroad was chartered in 1847 and the first train ran on February 25, 185 from Milwaukee to Waukesha (Wisconsin Historical Society).
According to Joseph A. Ranney, "By 1860 Wisconsin had 905 miles of track; 2,950 miles by 1880 and 6,592 miles by 1900. The railroads quite literally transformed Wisconsin. They provided reliable all-weather transportation to every part of the state." Law and Railroads in Wisconsin, 1847-1910
This tab will provide information on the importance that the railroads played in Wisconsin's history. You will find links to the importance of passenger and freight trains on Wisconsin.
The passenger trains played an important role in settling America west of the Appalachian Mountains.
http://www.iptv.org/iowapathways/artifact_detail.cfm?aid=a_000228&oid=ob_000188