May 10 marks the 150th anniversary of the #GoldenSpike—a ceremony commemorating the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in Promontory Summit of the Utah Territory. Throughout the week, I’ll be sharing #Spike150 trivia.
The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad helped unite our nation—culturally, geographically, and economically. It’s a testament to our enduring spirit of ingenuity and industry. #Spike150
Today’s #Spike150 trivia: Union Pacific’s 119 and Central Pacific’s Jupiter steam locomotives were staged face-to-face for the driving of the Golden Spike.
The Golden Spike ceremony was originally scheduled for May 8, 1869, but had to be postponed two days due to inclement weather and labor disputes facing the Union Pacific side of the rail line. #Spike150
Andrew J. Russell’s “East and West Shaking Hands at Laying of Last Rail” (commonly known as the “Champagne photo”) is the most famous photo associated with the First Continental Railroad. Some of the ceremony’s participants have been identified in the photo→
The #GoldenSpike was 5 5/8 inches long, weighed 14.03 oz, and was made of 17.6 carat gold. It was driven into a tie made out of polished California laurel. The spike and tie were immediately removed and replaced with a pine tie and iron spikes to prevent theft. #Spike150
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