![]() It spurred a boon in communications, commerce, agriculture, construction, and mining. Goods became efficiently transported across farther distances sellers found new markets and buyers on the frontier and in rural areas were able to purchase items previously unavailable to them. Thousands of miles of tracks were laid across the country, allowing people to migrate West and establish new settlements far more quickly and easily.Īnd it transformed the economy in Utah and across the nation. ![]() With the driving of the golden spike, the arduous 6-month journey required to cross the country, costing $1000, had become a mere 10-day trip, costing only $150. For this, Mr./Madam President, was a moment that changed the course of history in Utah, our nation, and ultimately the entire world. Tomorrow marks the 150th anniversary of this pivotal moment, and it is only right that we pause to recognize it. As the spike was struck, a telegraph was sent around the nation, and bells rang out from coast to coast. With the joining of the Union Pacific Railroad, stretching from the Missouri River near the Iowa-Nebraska border, and the Central Pacific railroad, stretching from Sacramento, California-East met West. Made of 17 carat gold, and driven into a pre-drilled hole in the last ceremonial tie, it bore this inscription: “May God continue the unity of our Country, as this Railroad unites the two great Oceans of the world.”Īnd indeed it did. ![]() On May 10, 1869, a golden spike was driven into the last link joining the rails of the First Continental Railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah.
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