IL HR0305

Declares May 10, 2019 as "Transcontinental Railroad Day" in Illinois, marking the 150th anniversary of the railroad's completion

Encourages schools and leaders across Illinois to observe the anniversary and celebrate the workers who built the railroad

Recognizes the diverse workforce that constructed the railroad, including Chinese and Irish immigrants, Mormons, Native Americans, and Free Blacks

Acknowledges that Chinese workers made up to 80% of the western workforce and faced substandard wages and harsh conditions

Notes the railroad reduced cross-country travel time from six months to one week and cut costs from $1,000 to $150

Directs copies of the resolution be sent to the Illinois Department of Education and each Illinois state university