140th anniversary—Golden Spike and Transcontinental Railroad at Promontory Summit

May 9, 9:37 AMNational Parks Travel ExaminerMarilyn Crain

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Photo Credit: NPS Tammy Benson

On May 10, 2009, Golden Spike National Historic Site, Utah, will celebrate the 140th anniversary of the driving of the last spike ceremony that marked the completion of the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. Anniversary events will include locomotive runs, reenactments of the last spike ceremony, live music and a Chinese lion dance. Golden Spike will feature speaker Hon. Michael Kwan of the American Chinese Community, from Taylorsville, Utah.

Date: May 10, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: 32 miles west of Brigham City via highway 13 and 83, Promontory Summit, Utah

Even if you can't attend the 2009 ceremony, please read Everlasting Steam: The Story of Jupiter and No. 119. You will be so glad that you took the time to learn about these fine historic locomotives. (You can see how they look in the slide show below.) The story begins, "On May 10, 1869, two ordinary steam locomotives rolled into Promontory and into history. Their stories span more than 130 years of triumph, tragedy and loss and culminate in a happy ending right here at Golden Spike National Historic Site." Read on …

Our national parks are filled with these touching stories of American history. Next time you visit a national park site, take time to learn about the people and yes, even inanimate work horses like Jupiter and No. 119 who helped build this country.

You'll also want to read:

A Moment in Time

Four Golden Spikes

Learn about planning your visit to Golden Spike National Historic Site and what you need to know before you go.

You might also enjoy these articles about national parks and trains:

Amtrak & National Parks--Trails & Rails, National Train Day
Grand Canyon Railway--free rides for 50s in 2009
Plan a national park vacation via Amtrak

Want to read more about train trips?

Ride the Verde Canyon Railroad
Verde Canyon Railway offers a wine lovers train trip

Books about trains:

National Train Day, the final spike and nine books about trains

For more info: Golden Spike National Historic Site