Many know about the " Last Spike" as it is call at the completion of a railroad project, at Promontory Summit in Utah on May 10th 1869. The completion of the Pacific Railway marks the finish of the worlds first transcontinental railroad connecting the East and West from Omaha NE to Sacramento CA.  You might have noticed that neither city is on a coast, none the less this event still symbolizes a significant milestone in American history.  This made it far faster and easier to travel and move goods across the country.

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In 1970 writer and historian Robin Lampson called the Golden Spike "a historical symbol second only to the Liberty Bell".  It connected both sides of the country yes, but the event also unified the hearts and minds of so many throughout the nation. Many do not know that there was actually 4 special spike that were driven that day by Leland Stanford, president of the Central Pacific Railroad and Union Pacific Vice President Thomas C. Durant along with 2 other artifacts that were used in the ceremony that day.

The Gold Spike

The brainchild of well known contractor David Hewes, The Golden Spike was cast by  the William T. Garrett Foundry of 17.6-carat gold alloyed with copper, the spike measures 5 9/16 inches in length and weighs 14.13 troy ounces. Engraved on the top it reads, "THE LAST SPIKE." Two sides list Central Pacific directors and officers. A third side says, "The Pacific Railroad ground broken Jany 8th 1863 and completed May 8th 1869."  The fourth side states, "May God continue the unity of our country as this railroad unites the two great Oceans of the world." Because of a labor dispute and bad weather the ceremony was delayed for 2 days. Today the spike is on display in Stanford's Cantor Center for Visual Arts.

The Other 3 Spikes

Along with Hewes Golden Spike was also a silver spike weighing 25 troy ounces presented my the newly formed State of Nevada. A third spike from the Territory of Arizona made of blended Iron, Gold, and Silver, and a second lower quality gold spike that was donated by the proprietor of a San Francisco newspaper, Frederick Marriott.  Also used at the ceremony by Stanford and Durant was a silver plated Maul or hammer and a 7.5-foot tie made of polished California laurel, donated by West Evens.

Unifying The Country

With all the chaos of the event it is not known for certain how many attended but it is estimated anywhere from 550 to 3,300 people were there on the day. along with several artifacts it is clear that people knew that this was a momentous moment for the country.  and unfortunately the California Laurel Tie was lost in an earthquake and fire in 1906 and the second golden spike from Marriott was also lost with many theories as to what happened to it.

Historic Railroad Sites in Colorado

These former railroad structures are still standing in various parts of Colorado.

Gallery Credit: Kelsey Nistel

Montana Museum of Railroad History

Pictures of the Montana Museum of Railroad History.

Gallery Credit: Jason Laird, Montana Museum of Railroad History

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