What is the main reason the Northern Pacific Railway was built?

Question

to provide a more direct connection to the Puget Sound region
to link the Pacific Northwest to the transcontinental railway line
to complete the first transcontinental railroad in the United States
to establish a railway from the Southwest to the Pacific Northwest

Answer 1

The main reason the Northern Pacific Railway was built was to link the Pacific Northwest to the transcontinental railway line. The railway aimed to provide better access and transportation for goods and people between the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest, facilitating economic development in the region.