By 1878+past perfect or past simple?

[jesus]

Hello.


By 1878+past perfect (or past perfect progressive) or past simple (or past continuous)?

Thanks.

[OddThomas]

One way to use the preposition by establishes a date in the past from the point of view of another date, usually today (but not always). This calls for past perfect rather than simple past. You can choose progressive or not, depending on the nature of the action and your intent.
By 1878, settlers in the town had built seventeen houses, one hotel, one church, and three saloons.
By 1878, settlers had been arriving in the territory for nearly ten years.Another way to use the preposition by fixes a date in the past as a reference point. This requires simple past, and again you can choose to use progressive if you have a need for it.
By 1878, the settlers' growing town extended from the river to the edge of the mountain.
By 1878, settlers were arriving weekly, six at a time, by stage coach from St. Louis.As you can see, the choice is yours.