What is the difference between a school teacher and a steam locomotive? The school teacher tells you to spit out your gum, while the locomotive says, “Choo Choo Choo!”
On May 10, 1869, At Promontory Summit, Utah, a boisterous crowd of dignitaries and workers gathered to witness the completion of one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century: the building and completion of the transcontinental railroad. As the engines No. 119 and the Jupiter practically touching noses, the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads join together as the last spike was driven into the Utah desert. The hammer blows were heard across the country as telegraph wires wrapped around the spike and sledgehammer transmitted the impact instantaneously east and west. In San Francisco and New York, wires had been connected to cannons facing outward across the ocean. When the signal from the spike came through, the cannons fired. The world was put on notice: The transcontinental railroad was completed! The Transcontinental Railroad is a remarkable story of greed, innovation and gritty determination.
Visit Golden Spike National Historic site on May 10th, 2014, to take a step back in time and experience a reenactment of the “Wedding of the Rails!”
I highly recommend a family day trip to the Golden Spike National Historic Site. The visitor center is a great place to learn about the guided tours and Junior Ranger program offered for kids of all ages.
I recommend spending at least an hour in the visitor center teaching your children about the tireless efforts made by the hard workers of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroad as they worked through the bitter cold and blazing heat, along with how they built bridges, trestles, drilled thousands of feet of tunnel, blasted their way through granite cliffs, and encountered deadly riots with Native Americans.
May 10, 2014 Schedule of Events
9:00 am Center opens
9:30 am Arrival of Locomotives Jupiter and No. 119 Historic
10:00 am Re-creations - Champagne Photo First photo (those in period dress)
11:30 am TRADITIONAL ANNIVERSARY PROGRAM
Welcome - Leslie Crossland, Superintendent, Golden Spike National Historic Site and Norm Nelson, President, Golden Spike Association
Introductions/Special Announcements Blessing – Jeff Scott
Presentation of Colors - 20 Star Flag – Color Guard from the Sons of Utah Pioneers
Pledge of Allegiance –
National Anthem – Bear River High School
Keynote Speaker –Aaron Hunt, Union Pacific Railroad
Presentation of Memorial Wreath - Representatives of Golden Spike Association and National Park Service
Moment of Silence - Taps
12:20 pm RE-ENACTMENT OF THE DRIVING OF THE LAST SPIKE
12:45 pm Steam Demonstration
1:15pm Presentation in the Main Auditorium
2:00pm Re-enactment of the Driving of the Last Spike
2:30pm Steam Demonstration
3:00pm Ranger Program in the Main Auditorium
5:00pm Retreat of Colors, Departure of Locomotives
5:00pm Visitor Center Closes
Admission is: FREE to all visitors on May 10th, 2014
(Regular entrance fee is $7.00 *summer rate* entrance fee is good for all persons riding in a private non-commercial vehicle.)
Directions:
Golden Spike National Site is 32 miles west of Brigham City, Utah, via Highway 83.
Northbound on I-15: exit #365, turn right (west) on Hwy. 13 to Hwy. 83. Follow signs to Golden Spike. (32 miles)
Southbound on I-15: exit I-84 west to exit #40 (Hwy. 102). Turn left and follow signs to Hwy. 83. Turn right on 83 and follow signs to Golden Spike. (Approximately 29 miles)
Eastbound on I-84: exit #26, south on Hwy. 83 past ATK Rocket display, turn right at sign to Golden Spike. (Approximately 27 miles)
Westbound from Logan: Hwy. 30 west to I-15, then follow directions for Southbound on I-15. (Approximately 50 miles)
*know before you go* No gas or food services are available at the park. The nearest gas station is in Corinne, Utah.
Visitor Center hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. Golden Spike National Historic Site is closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Outside attractions are open during daylight hours.
Please call (435) 471-2209 ext. 29 or visit www.nsp.gov for latest information and visit www.kamillemarshall.com for photography tips and tricks.
#1 picture - Taken by Bill Gerrard
#2 picture taken by Bryan Kay Carter
