The Golden Spike

history · trains · American West

Connected two railroads. On May 10, 1869, the golden spike was driven at Promontory Summit in Utah Territory to join the Central Pacific Railroad (coming from Sacramento) with the Union Pacific Railroad (coming from Omaha). This created the first transcontinental railroad, linking the East and West coasts of the United States for the first time.

Made of real gold. The spike was crafted from 17.6-karat gold, making it extra special and gleaming. Leland Stanford, a railroad tycoon, had the honor of driving the spike into the ground to complete this amazing feat of engineering.

Still on display today. After its famous moment in 1869, the golden spike was preserved and is now kept in the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University in California. You can actually see this historic object in person if you visit the museum.

United two continents. Before the transcontinental railroad, traveling from the East Coast to the West Coast meant a long, dangerous journey by stagecoach or ship. This new railroad made the trip possible in just a few days, changing how people traveled and traded across America.