Introduction to Golden Spike National Historic Site

50 miles NW of Ogden, 90 miles NW of Salt Lake City

If you love steam trains, you won't want to miss Golden Spike National Historic Site [SS]. On May 10, 1869, the Central Pacific met the Union Pacific at Promontory Summit, and America's East and West coasts were finally joined by rail. The nation's second transcontinental telegraph had been strung along the track as it was laid, and as the final spike was driven home, the signal "Done" raced across the country -- and jubilation erupted from coast to coast. A ragged town of tents quickly sprang up along the track at Promontory Summit, but within 8 months the railroads moved their terminal operations to Ogden. In 1904, the Lucin Cutoff bypassed Promontory altogether, and in 1942 the rails were torn up for use in military depots.

While today less than 2 miles of track are here, they are re-laid on the original roadbed, where you can see fully functional replicas of the two engines, the Central Pacific's "Jupiter" and Union Pacific's "119," that met here in 1869. From mid- to late spring into early October, the magnificent machines are on display and make short runs (inquire at the visitor center for a schedule). Presentations are given track-side.