The Golden Spike 7/26/2018

As we headed to Provo, UT from Twin Falls, ID, we decided to stop at the Golden Spike National Historic site in Promontory, UT, northwest of Salt Lake City, about 20 miles south of the interstate. I was not expecting it to be as interesting as it actually was. The visitor center has a comprehensive and fascinating look at why the transcontinental railroad was needed, how it was built, and the ramifications of having our country's coasts joined by railroad.

In May 1869, the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads met at Promontory Point in Utah, changing the country forever. We saw replica trains re-enact the meeting of the two. One train puffed white smoke, the other black. The train from the west used what was an abundant source of fuel in California, wood, the one from the east used its main fuel, coal. The last ceremonial spike driven was the Golden Spike, which was then replaced with an iron one. The original Golden Spike is on display at Stanford University. The gentleman that drove that last spike was Leland Stanford, the president of the Central Pacific railroad, and at the time future founder of Stanford University.

Pictures are here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/8CHQNjye1VbSbMdC8