The Utah Summit Where a Golden Spike Triggered Coast-to-Coast Celebrations in 1869

Promontory Summit, Utah

Two trains faced each other across a single gap of track in the Utah desert. The Union Pacific’s engine 119 had come from the east. Central Pacific’s Jupiter from the west. On May 10, 1869, these iron horses met to join America’s first railroad from ocean to ocean.

Here’s how this grand event played out, now preserved as Golden Spike National Historical Park.

The Railroad Companies That Built The Transcontinental Line

Two companies built the railroad from opposite ends of the country. Central Pacific Railroad started in Sacramento, California and built eastward. Union Pacific Railroad began in Omaha, Nebraska and built westward.

Workers faced harsh weather, rough terrain, and dangerous conditions. Both companies rushed to build as much track as possible to get more government land and money.

Congress finally stepped in and picked Promontory Summit as the meeting point. The completed railroad cut cross-country travel from several months to about a week.

How Durant’s Train Was Held Hostage By Unpaid Workers

Thomas Durant, the Union Pacific Vice President, faced an unexpected problem on his way to the ceremony. His train stopped in Piedmont, Wyoming, where trouble waited.

More than 400 workers surrounded his train. These men had been laid off without receiving their wages. They chained Durant’s railcar to the tracks and refused to let him leave until they got paid.

This bold action delayed the golden spike ceremony by two days. Only after Durant wired for money and paid the workers did his journey continue.

The Accidental Locomotives That Made History

The two steam engines that met at Promontory weren’t supposed to be there. Central Pacific’s Jupiter and Union Pacific’s No. 119 became famous by accident.

Central Pacific had chosen their locomotive Antelope for the ceremony. On the way to Promontory, Antelope hit a log on the tracks and was badly damaged.

Jupiter quickly took its place. Union Pacific sent No. 119 to rescue Durant after his delay in Wyoming. These two backup engines ended up in one of the most famous photos in American history.

The Four Ceremonial Spikes Used At The Event

Four special spikes marked the joining of the rails. Each represented different regions involved in the railroad project.

David Hewes, a San Francisco businessman and friend of Central Pacific president Leland Stanford, gave the main golden spike. The San Francisco News Letter newspaper donated a second golden spike.

Nevada contributed a spike made of solid silver. Arizona Territory presented a unique spike blending iron, gold, and silver. Workers placed all four spikes in special holes during the ceremony, creating a colorful display of national unity.

The Special Golden Spike That Joined The Nation

The main golden spike became the most famous symbol of the transcontinental railroad. Craftsmen in San Francisco made it using 17.6-karat gold weighing 14.03 ounces.

Engravers carved details on all four sides, including names of Central Pacific leaders and a message about uniting the country. The spike shows May 8, 1869, because that was when the ceremony was first planned.

After the celebration, Stanford took the spike back to California, now displayed at Stanford University’s museum.

The Custom Laurelwood Tie That Held The Final Spikes

The golden spike needed a special place to rest. West Evens, who supplied ties for Central Pacific, donated a custom-made tie for the occasion.

Workers crafted this ceremonial piece from polished California laurel wood instead of rough-cut timber. They drilled holes sized perfectly for the four special spikes.

This beautiful tie stood out from the thousands of ordinary wooden ties along the railroad. After the ceremony, people reportedly tore it apart for souvenirs, each wanting to own a piece of history.

When Railroad Officials Missed The Final Spike

The big moment of driving the golden spike didn’t go as planned. Leland Stanford from Central Pacific and Thomas Durant from Union Pacific had the honor of hammering in the final spike.

Stanford swung first but missed the spike, hitting only the wooden tie. Durant did worse – he missed both the spike and tie completely.

Telegraph operators covered up these mistakes, sending signals as if both men had hit their marks. A regular railroad worker ended up driving in the real iron spike that joined the rails.

The Nationwide Telegraph Announcement

Workers linked the ceremony to the nation through telegraph wires. They connected wires to both the hammer and spike so the final blow would send a signal.

At 12:47 PM, the message “D-O-N-E” flashed to telegraph stations across America. Cities had prepared for this moment with big celebrations.

In San Francisco and New York, the telegraph signal fired cannons over the ocean waters. Bells rang and whistles blew in towns and cities nationwide.

The Chinese Workers Who Laid The Final Rails

Chinese workers had the honor of placing the last rail for Central Pacific. Their role in the ceremony recognized their huge contribution to building the western part of the railroad.

Over 13,000 Chinese immigrants worked for Central Pacific – more than 80 percent of the company’s workforce. They built the hardest sections through the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Eight Chinese workers laid the final rail at Promontory. After the ceremony, construction boss J.H. Strobridge invited these men to dinner in his private railcar. Three of these workers lived long enough to attend the 50th anniversary in 1919.

The Famous Photograph That Captured History

Three photographers recorded the ceremony: Alfred Hart from Central Pacific, Andrew Russell from Union Pacific, and Charles Savage, a local Utah photographer.

Russell took what became the most famous image of the event. His photo shows workers and officials gathered between two locomotives with their front ends almost touching. This powerful image of Jupiter and No. 119 facing each other perfectly captured East meeting West.

Visiting Promontory Summit

You can explore Golden Spike National Historical Park daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended summer hours until 7 PM (May-September). Entrance fees are $20 per vehicle or $10 per person on foot, valid for seven days.

The park offers daily locomotive demonstrations at 10 AM and 1 PM during summer. Don’t miss the full reenactment of the golden spike ceremony every Saturday at 11 AM and on May 10th annually.

From Salt Lake City, drive north on I-15 for 65 miles, take Exit 365, and follow signs for 32 miles. The visitor center has exhibits, a 20-minute film, and a bookstore.

Bring water and sun protection – the site sits at 4,900 feet elevation with limited shade.

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