Golden Spike National Historical Park

On May 10, 1869, the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads joined their tracks at Promontory Summit, north of the Great Salt Lake, and a ceremonial golden spike was driven to mark the moment. A telegraph sent one word across the country: “DONE.” The park preserves the site and miles of the original grade.

The stars are two meticulously built replicas of the original locomotives, the Central Pacific’s Jupiter and the Union Pacific’s No. 119. From early May into October they steam out of the engine house and run demonstrations most days. On summer Saturdays, volunteers in period costume reenact the last spike ceremony, and each May 10 the park holds an anniversary celebration.

Two auto tours follow the old grades, passing the remains of trestles, cuts and fills built by thousands of workers, many of them Chinese immigrants on the Central Pacific line. The Big Fill and the Chinese Arch are highlights.