An astounding construction feat of Chinese Americans was the work done on the western section of the transcontinental railroad. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new line took place in Sacramento in 1863, but up until 1865, less than 50 miles of running track had been laid, and this was over relatively level land. The construction superintendent for the Central Pacific Railroad, J. H. Strobridge, was reluctant to hire Chinese workers, even though they had been employed on the California Central Railroad and were praised for their work by the Sacramento Union in 1858. When Strobridge finally tested the skill of a Chinese immigrant work crew, it graded a roadbed more accurately than did an experienced crew of white laborers, much to the latter's chagrin. This article briefly describes the early completion of the transcontinental railroad. Discussion questions are also provided.