The Great 

Railroad Race

 The Transcontinental Railroad

Savage Stereoview - Meeting of the Engines
Meeting of the Engines
The New York Times
May 10, 1869

Promontory Summit, Utah 

Hundreds were on hand when two great railroad companies were joined today to unite our country with one transcontinental railroad.

Thomas Durant, Vice-President of the Union Pacific first drove in a silver spike, and then Leland Stanford of the Central Pacific drove in the golden spike.

Now it is possible to leave San Francisco and arrive in New York in 10 days. The railroad has opened the heart of our continent and it will be changed forever.1

Teacher notes Back Interactive Railroad Project Home Next

Copyright © 2000-2011, CPRR.org.  [Last Updated 4/12/2011]
Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the User Agreement;
Click any image or link to accept.
Not affiliated with the Union Pacific Railroad.

Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum