Page "Tampa, Florida" Paragraph 31

Henry B.

Plant's railroad line reached Tampa and its port shortly thereafter, finally connecting the small town to the nation's railroad system after years of efforts by local leaders.

Previously, Tampa's overland transportation links had consisted of rutted sandy roads stretching across the Florida countryside.

Plant's railroad made it much easier to get goods in and out of the Tampa Bay area.

Phosphate and commercial fishing exports could be sent north and many new products were brought into the Tampa market, along with the first tourists.