During our drive between Salt Lake City and Boise, ID a couple of weeks back, we took a detour off the highway to visit the Golden Spike National Historic Park at Promontory Summit, north of Salt Lake City. It marks the spot where, in 1869 the two rail lines under construction (the Central Pacific Railroad coming from the west, and the Union Pacific Railroad coming from the east) met, thus completing the first trans-continental rail line across the country.
As a history buff, I’ve long wanted to visit the site; it did not disappoint.
While none of the original lines or locomotives (or even the Golden Spike itself) are there. the reproductions and staging of the scene are great. If you’re in the area, I highly recommend stopping in.
And while in the visitor center, I spotted this book, which I will try to find in a library! It highlights the contribution of Chinese laborers in building the railroad.
I have always wanted to see that site also. Did you purchase the book? What a wonderful trip.
I didn’t buy the book — too expensive. I’m looking for a copy in the library.