Who were the main characters of the Big Four in California's railroad history?

The main characters of the Big Four in California's railroad history refer specifically to the group of influential businessmen and financiers who played a pivotal role in the development of the Central Pacific Railroad in the 19th century. The Big Four consisted of Leland Stanford, Collis Potter Huntington, Mark Hopkins, and Charles Crocker, who were instrumental in the construction of the transcontinental railroad, which greatly impacted California's economic and social landscape. Their efforts helped facilitate trade, settlement, and the movement of people across the country, effectively transforming the state into a hub of commerce and growth.

The choices that mention labor leaders and farmers or political figures from the 20th century do not directly connect to the founding and operational efforts of the Central Pacific Railroad during the critical period of its establishment. Similarly, references to Spanish settlers and natives do not pertain to this specific historical context; they belong to an earlier chapter in California’s history regarding its colonization and the subsequent interactions with indigenous populations. Thus, the focus on businessmen and financiers as the defining individuals of the Big Four accurately captures the essence of their contributions to California's railroads.