Why were railroad companies so relentless?

Question

When it came to trying get land to build a railroad.

Answer 1

They weren't called the robber barons for nothing.They were in it for the profit and they did whatever it took to make money.The government wanted to open up the west and to entice the railroads they offered them every other mile of right of way so they would build the railroad.Then when they got near towns they held them up for ransom too.If they didn't get what they wanted they simply didn't build the railroad through a town.That would be like a death sentence for many small towns.When all was said and done the railroads were some of the largest private land owners in many states they went through.Their spirit is still alive and well with the modern day robber barons that run the railroads now.

Answer 2

They need the land to increase profit either by increase traffic or open to new industries.

Answer 3

The answer is simple , profit .  I f you get and control the land you get he tracks and can make sure industry gets there to use your service.  It is all or was a matter of competition with other roads .  Now there are fewer class 1 roads and the trend is still going to abandoning less profitable  Some lines are taken over by short lines or smaller rail roads.   This has also created a new market for older locomotives and rolling stock.