On our way out of Utah, we stopped by Promontory Point to see the reenactment of the Golden Spike ceremony that celebrated the connection of the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast on May 10, 1869.
It was incredibly windy as we arrived just in time to catch the spike driving ceremony.
Three cheers for the railroads!!
The Jupiter and the 119.....replica locomotives of the engines at the actual ceremony. 
We all enjoyed the steam engine demonstration ~ we felt as though we'd gone back in time
The railroad tie made of laurel wood with pre-drilled holes as the golden spike was too soft a metal to drive without a little help.
The wheels of the Jupiter
Our (partial) family picture with Union Pacific 119
Can you imagine how exciting that must have been to connect the coasts of our country?
We all thought that the 30 minute detour off of I-15 was worth the drive. Jay and I were talking on the way out of the park, that though the locomotives have changed with technology, the basic track system and most of the other train cars have remained largely unchanged. For more information on this National Historic Site, click here.
I actually had that same conversation with Mike one day as we were driving past a train. Great pics
ReplyDeleteI've never been there before - how fun!!
ReplyDeleteWhy do I not do all these fun things while in Utah?
ReplyDelete