How did railroads assist in the growth of other businesses?

The invention of the railroads in the 1800s greatly helped to accelerate the industrial revolution both in Europe and in the United States. The first successful steam locomotive was invented in Great Britain. Up until the Civil War, many American train engines and rails were imported from Europe.
This new form of transportation was a great help to many industries, especially since it reduced the shipping costs by 60–70%. Before trains, business relied largely on carriages to ship goods, which was slow, expensive, and inefficient.
Perhaps the biggest beneficiaries of the invention of the railroad were the US Postal Service, logging industries, and mining industries. Train cars could haul significantly more logs and coal than horses and oxen could. Similarly, they could transfer mail and other products much farther distances.
Railroads also fueled settlements across the entire country and connected communities. The housing market boomed all across the west. Funds made in real estate also helped to pay for more railroads.