Historic Train Trip Marks Golden Spike Anniversary

May 10 will mark the 140th anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike, which connected Union Pacific and Central Pacific rail lines to give our nation its first transcontinental railroad.

The Golden Spike was driven on May 10, 1869, at Promontory, Utah, which is now the Golden Spike National Historic Site.

A historic rail journey is being conducted this year as part of the anniversary celebration. This USA Today article describes the trip:

"Steam Locomotive No. 844, which was Union Pacific Railroad's last steam locomotive, is on a 32-day four-state tour from Roseville, Calif., to Ogden, Utah. Dispatches about the journey are being posted to Twitter."

"The tour started April 11 and continues through May 12, when it arrives in Utah to help mark the 140th anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike."

The Last Spike Ceremony is reenacted every year on the May 10th anniversary, as well as every Saturday and Holiday from May 10th to September, and at the annual Railroader's Festival held the second Saturday in August and during the Winter Steam Festival on the last weekend in December.