Golden Spike National Historic Site exists to commemorate May 10, 1869, this is the day the Union and Central Pacific Railroads joined their rails at Promontory Summit. This incredible accomplishment marked the beginning of the United State's first transcontinental railroad.
This momentous occasion could have happened weeks if not months sooner. Fierce competition between the companies building the railroad meant they laid two hundred and fifty miles of parallel track. The companies did this in the bid for subsidy bonds and land grants. The government paid twenty square miles of land and issued subsidy bonds worth many thousands of dollars for every mile of track. So there are 250 miles of parallel grades from Echo, Utah to Wells, Nevada. Eventually Congress forced the two companies to reach an agreement on a meeting place. After considerable negotiation they finally decided to meet at the midway point of the parallel grades, which happened to be Promontory Summit.
The "real'' golden spike isn't at this site; it is located in Palo Alto, California. The spike was commissioned by David Hewes for the Last Spike ceremony. Because the spike was privately owned it went back to California to David Hewes. In 1892, Hewes donated the spike to Stanford University art museum.
Golden Spike National Historic Site is thirty two miles west of Brigham City, Utah, by way of Utah Highway 83. Coming from Salt Lake, go northbound on I-15 to exit #365, turn right (west) on Highway 13 to Highway 83. Follow signs to Golden Spike, thirty two miles. The visitor center is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. They are closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas. Outside attractions, like the locomotives, are open during daylight hours. There is a bookstore in the visitor center that specializes in information on the Trans-Continental Railroad, Railroading history, and railroad memorabilia.
At the Golden Spike Historic site you can see replicas of the original locomotives. Built by O'Connor Engineering of Costa Mesa, California in 1979, these locomotives are one-quarter inch of the actual size, and are fully functional. The original locomotives wore out and weren't worth repairing. In 1903 the No 119 was scrapped for about $1,000, and the Jupiter followed in 1906. There are no passenger coaches at the site, and no train rides available.
Visitors tip: Summers are hot and dry with temperatures frequently in the 90s. Winters are cold and can be wet with temperatures into the 30s. Wear layers of clothing, especially in spring and fall. Make sure you have good walking shoes, and mosquito repellent is recommended.
May 2009 reviewer said, "We got stuck in Salt Lake City when missing a connecting flight and decided to rent a car and visit Golden Spike National Historic Site. We really felt it was well worth the time. The locomotives on site are in great condition and offer some really nice photo ops. We went late in the day and at 4PM they move the 119 Union Pacific Steam Locomotive and at 4:30PM, they move the Jupitar, Central Pacific Locomotive. It is worth a late afternoon visit to catch this part of the site. There is a short video, a small museum and a gift shop that has some nice railroad related gifts and books. Nice stop for any railroad buff. Our 6 year old really enjoyed his time here.''
Another reviewer said, "A wonderful visit to a great site of American history. It was thrilling to be at the site where the nation was connected. The location is remote and pristine as it was almost 140 years ago. The visitor center was very informative and the programs were very relevant. The staff were very knowledgeable and you can walk out to the train replica's as well as drive the east and west railroad grades. You feel like you are back in history. A great experience. On the way out we visited the Ogden Rail Road station, which is well worth a visit, with museums and restaurants within.''
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