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The joining of a Nation in our backyard here in Utah

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The joining of a Nation in our backyard here in Utah

It is described as the greatest historical event in transportation on this continent where the Pacific Ocean was joined to the Atlantic Ocean by iron rails.

Historical events are often cast in patriotic pride; great achievements are embodied in words and song.

The Golden Spike (or The Last Spike) is one of those events.

Shortly after noon on May 10th 1869, the last spike was driven at Promontory Summit, in Utah uniting the Union and Central Pacific railroads to forge the destiny of a Nation.

Weatern Union carried the message: D-O-N-E.

This, indeed, was a great event

Patriotic history (and Hollywood, for sure) has glamorized the event. Source documents fill in the details.

Finding suitable symbols came in a hurry because the project was ahead of schedule "and no one had given proper thought to the matter"

Assorted politicians and other dignitaries had gathered for the photo opportunity after a substantial party the evening before. All wanted their whack at the last spike. Local history records that all missed (not being used to such labor), one merely tapping the tie with the decorated spike maul, suffering the effects of a "devilish" hangover from the previous mentioned party. The task of properly joining the railroads went to a railroad worker (who had placed many ties before).

Utah Quarter

Trivia:

If you want to see the historic site, you have to come to Utah. It has been moved for your ease of viewing.

Four Golden Spikes (at least) and several minor silver ones were made for the event.

The Golden Spike was not driven. It would have been destroyed by the spike maul.

The symbols were removed to other locations after the event ~ replaced with wood and steel. (Just in case you might have thought to do some "prospecting" during your next visit to Utah).

You now know the name of the spike hammer used for railroad spikes - for your history parties.

Workers from the Salt Lake region were heavily involved in the railroad project.

The Golden Spike Event is rendered on US quarters depicting Utah's place in history in the State Quarter Project.

 

Come to Utah and link with history.

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Comments (4)

William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Larry, I love history and I so appreciate reading of the American History throughout our great country. There is so much and the anocdotal entries fill in the parts that enhnace it so much.

Nov 07, 2013 09:26 AM
Larry O'Sullivan
Sandy, UT

William - thanks for your interest. Back in my academic days in Archaeology and Anthropology, my professors would try to wean me away from trivia (the human effect) towards scientific method... but you can be sure they were all at every presentation of mine because they liked the content... and were sure to quote it. I try to never miss an episode of "American Ride" (warts and all American History from the perspective of a Harley rider.)

Nov 07, 2013 10:24 AM
Barbara Hensley
RE/MAX Properties - Rockwall, TX
Homes for Sale in Rockwall County, Texas

Hello, Larry, those historical happenings are always interesting to read about.

Nov 13, 2013 06:44 AM
Larry O'Sullivan
Sandy, UT

Barbara - we humans tend always to put our imprint and view on thing. Digging in local history is fascinating.

Nov 15, 2013 04:04 AM