The development of the Transcontinental Railroad significantly impacted the buffalo population. As the railroad expanded westward in the 19th century, it brought hunters who killed buffalo in massive numbers for their hides and meat, drastically reducing their population. This overhunting, coupled with the habitat disruption caused by the construction and operation of the railroad, led to the near-extinction of the buffalo by the end of the century. The decline of the buffalo had profound effects on the Native American tribes who depended on them for food, clothing, and tools, changing their way of life forever.