Utahns love to celebrate our history and heritage. From the centuries-old ruins that help us understand more about Utah’s first residents, to the spot where Brigham Young proudly pronounced that, “This is the right place,” we’re surrounded by fascinating historic landmarks. Here’s a bit of history that happened in 1869, and the whole world was watching.
The nation’s first transcontinental railroad spanned a distance of 1,912 miles from Omaha, Nebraska to San Francisco Bay.
On May 10, 1869 the last spike was driven in Promontory, Utah to connect the Central Pacific Railroad and Union Pacific Railroad. The event was celebrated across the nation.
The two steam engines that met up on May 10,1869 were the Jupiter and the No. 119.
During summer months, visitors can see locomotive demonstrations. See the engines fire up starting at 10 a.m. daily and watch them run at 1 p.m. before they return to the engine house at 4 p.m..
Year-round, you can take the Big Fill Loop Trail, a 1.5-mile trail that takes you through some of the history of the last days before the rail lines were joined.
A monument celebrates the Chinese rail workers who toiled to complete the railroad. Almost all of the men who worked for the Central Pacific Railroad were Chinese immigrants.
The visitor center is also open year-round, seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Inside you can learn more about the history of the two rail lines and the first transcontinental railroad.
You’ll enjoy locomotive demonstration runs at 10 a.m. 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4:30 p.m., as well as hand car rides, motor car rides, and special ranger programs.
