Golden Spike National Historic Site

In 1862 Congress authorized the Central Pacific Railroad to begin building a railroad east from Sacramento and the Union Pacific to begin building west from New York.  After delays caused by the Civil War, building began in earnest and the two groups neared each other in Utah.  Congress decided that the meeting place would be Promontory Summit.  On May 10, 1869, two locomotives (Central Pacific's Jupiter and Union Pacific's No. 119) pulled up to a one rail gap left in the track.  A golden spike was symbolically tapped into the final rail and then an iron one was tapped to complete the Transcontinental Railroad.  I have really wanted to visit the site ever since I attended this concert to commemorate the 150th anniversary of this momentous event in history.  Marilyn and I decided to take a trip to Promontory Summit yesterday and we both really enjoyed it.

These are replicas of the Jupiter and No. 119 steam locomotives that met for the ceremony joining the Transcontinental Railroad.  You can go right up to the trains and see all of the meticulous details which I found fascinating!  They operate demonstrations with the trains from May to October every day and I particularly enjoyed seeing the steam which is created by burning wood.  There are walking tours and auto tours to see the drill marks where workers blasted rock away and other evidence of the grading process.  There is also a Visitor's Center but it is temporarily closed due to Covid-19 (so the $20 entrance fee per car is waived).  The joining of the Transcontinental Railroad was such an important event and it was so interesting to learn more about it and see where it all happened!  I definitely recommend a visit.

To get to the Golden Spike National Historic Site, take exit 365 (Brigham City) and head west on Highway 13 to Highway 83.  Then follow the signs to Golden Spike (it is very well marked).  It took about 90 minutes to get there from my house in Bountiful.  Go here for more information.