Promontory, UT

May 10 1869 is a significant date in American history, being the day when finally east met west, and the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads were linked together. To build the railroads 1000s of men endured years of hard labour and hardship, their welfare not necessarily being the promoters main concern. Extremes of weather and attacks from Native Americans protecting their ancient land, stock and way of life were an everyday occurrence, but the machine of progress pushed on. When you read about the story of how the railroad was built you are equally torn between the magnificence of the achievement and the tragedy of the suffering caused. In the day it was, of course, a time to celebrate, although ironically the railroad only existed here as a through route until 1912, when the SP Lucin Cut Off over the Great Salt lake was opened, and closed completely in 1941. Today the exhibition at the Historic Park tells the story, and replica locomotives reenact the moment when the two railroads finally met.

See also the story of my first visit in the Blog here.