We Were There At The Driving Of The Golden Spike

On May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah, the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads were joined together, completing the first transcontinental railroad in the United States. This event was a major turning point in American history, and it was witnessed by a large crowd of people, including many who had worked on the railroad.

We Were There at the Driving of the Golden Spike

by David Shepherd

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16469 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	195 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	42 pages
Item Weight	:	0.353 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.1 x 9 inches

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The driving of the golden spike was a symbolic gesture that marked the completion of the railroad. The spike was made of gold and silver, and it was driven into a tie of polished California laurel. The ceremony was officiated by Leland Stanford, the president of the Central Pacific Railroad, and Thomas Durant, the vice president of the Union Pacific Railroad.

The driving of the golden spike was a joyous occasion, and it was celebrated with speeches, music, and fireworks. The event was also a time for reflection on the hard work and sacrifice that had gone into building the railroad. The transcontinental railroad was a major achievement, and it played a vital role in the development of the United States.

Eyewitness Accounts

Here are some eyewitness accounts of the driving of the golden spike:

"The scene was one of wild excitement. The air was filled with the sound of cheering, and the waving of hats and handkerchiefs. The two locomotives, the 'Jupiter' and the '119', stood facing each other, their cowcatchers almost touching. The last tie was laid in place, and the golden spike was driven home. The crowd went wild, and the locomotives whistled and screamed." - John Russell, reporter for the New York Herald

"I was there when the golden spike was driven. It was a great day for America. The railroad will open up the West and make it possible for people to travel and settle there. It will also make it easier to transport goods and materials. The railroad is a great achievement, and it will have a major impact on the future of our country." - Sarah Jane Lippincott, diarist

"I worked on the Central Pacific Railroad for two years. It was hard work, but I was proud to be a part of such a historic project. The completion of the railroad is a great day for our country. It will make it possible for people to travel and settle in the West, and it will also make it easier to transport goods and materials. The railroad is a great achievement, and I am proud to have been a part of it." - John Smith, railroad worker

The Significance Of The Transcontinental Railroad

The transcontinental railroad was a major turning point in American history. It opened up the West to settlement and development, and it made it easier to transport goods and materials across the country. The railroad also played a vital role in the growth of the United States economy.

The transcontinental railroad is still in use today, and it continues to play a vital role in the American economy. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people who built it, and it is a symbol of the American spirit of progress and innovation.

The driving of the golden spike was a major event in American history. It marked the completion of the first transcontinental railroad, and it opened up the West to settlement and development. The railroad also played a vital role in the growth of the United States economy.

The transcontinental railroad is still in use today, and it continues to play a vital role in the American economy. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people who built it, and it is a symbol of the American spirit of progress and innovation.

We Were There at the Driving of the Golden Spike

by David Shepherd

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16469 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	195 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	42 pages
Item Weight	:	0.353 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.1 x 9 inches

FREE