Was the city empty?
Ah! Makes sense, thanks a tonSpots of railroad are not in your culture area, increasing with worldbuilder the culture on them makes you succeeds, it tested. Makes sense else you could open borders the usa and Piggyback ride on their railroad system.
You could go some turns and make a lot culture in 1 or 2 cities, artisans etc.
Which scenario?I tried to play as Iran. The starting techs and UHVs were exactly the same as Ancient Persia.