1850 is set in the Midwestern United States to the west of Chicago. It is another in the series of 18xx games originated by Francis Tresham, and is most closely related to 1870: Railroading across the Trans Mississippi from 1870, also by the same author. Companies involved in the game include CB&Q, CMStP&P, CRI&P, GN, MKT ("Katy"), MP, NP, Soo Line, and UP.