The South Transcontinental Railroad After The Gadsden Purchase
Jefferson Davis wanted a Southern Transcontinental Railroad. As the Secretary of War, he urged the government to fund the project, especially once the necessary land was acquired from the Gadsden Purchase. On the other hand, Davis's rival, Stephen Douglas, a senator apposed the idea. He stated a railroad should go to the west coast by crossing Nebraska. Eventually Douglas would convince the government. Because of the Nebraska-Kansas Act, there was more support for a northern railroad and the idea of a South Transcontinental Railroad being the first was killed. Even though, in 1886, a southern railway would be made, going through the Mesilla Valley.
The map shows the southern path going through the Mesilla Valley and the northern path going through Nebraska