Before the railway was completed how long had it taken to travel from New York to San Francisco?What delayed the trip around noon?

Before the construction of the railroad, the trip across country took six months.

The journey from New York to San Francisco consumed, formerly, under the most favourable conditions, at least six months. It is now accomplished in seven days.

The trip was delayed around noon to stop for breakfast.

The train entered the State of Nevada through the Carson Valley about nine o'clock, going always northeasterly; and at midday reached Reno, where there was a delay of twenty minutes for breakfast.