The Gadsden Purchase provided territory for what purpose?

The Gadsden Purchase, completed in 1854, was primarily aimed at facilitating the construction of a southern transcontinental railroad route to the Gulf of California. The acquisition of this territory from Mexico provided the necessary land that would allow for a more efficient and direct path for railroads, improving transportation and trade. The region had strategic importance for the development of this railroad, which was envisioned to connect the southeastern United States with the West Coast.

While the other options may reflect economic activities relevant to different contexts in New Mexico, they do not align with the principal purpose of the Gadsden Purchase. The focus on railway development was a critical factor during that period, particularly as the nation was expanding and seeking to improve its infrastructure.