Golden Spike National Historical Park

Golden Spike National Historical Park, located at Promontory Summit about 30 miles west of Brigham City, Utah, commemorates the historic completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad on May 10, 1869. This significant event connected the eastern and western United States by rail, fundamentally altering transportation and commerce across the nation. Visitors to the site can explore the visitor center, which houses exhibits and demonstrations detailing the construction efforts and the people involved in this monumental engineering feat.

The park features working replicas of the two steam locomotives, Jupiter and No. 119, which are often showcased through demonstrations and reenactments, allowing guests to witness the power and mechanics of 19th-century rail technology. For those interested in the physical landscape of the railroad’s construction, the site offers two short auto tours. The West Grade Auto Tour highlights the Central Pacific Railroad’s world-record track-laying stretch and includes the Chinese Arch, honoring the contributions of Chinese laborers. The East Grade Auto Tour showcases the Union Pacific’s challenging route through the Promontory Mountains, featuring historic trestles and fills.

Additionally, the park provides access to the Transcontinental Railroad Backcountry Byway, a 90-mile remote route listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This byway traverses the Central Pacific Railroad Grade near the Great Salt Lake and Spiral Jetty, offering a unique perspective on the rugged terrain that shaped the railroad’s development. The site serves as a vital educational resource, preserving the history of American industrial expansion and the diverse workforce that made it possible.