Last updated: May 6, 2025
Place
#9 Approaching the Golden Spike
NPS/ncastoro
You are nearing Promontory Summit, just around the bend ahead. Imagine the jubilation felt by the thousands of workers as they laid track through here. They came 690 miles in nearly four years and the end was finally in sight.
The press praised the Central Pacific's efforts, but showed less favor for the Union Pacific workers laboring on the valley floor east of Promontory. One correspondent grumbled on May 7th:
"We are completely paralyzed here at present, and waiting anxiously for the arrival of the Eastern people. Some dissatisfaction is felt at this prolonged delay, which compels us to sojourn in these regions longer than expected."
Ahead you will leave the railroad grade and return to the main road. Stop number 10 is just beyond the Visitor Center.
If you'd like to continue the self-guided driving tour, please follow the signs 3 miles to the beginning of the East Tour.
The press praised the Central Pacific's efforts, but showed less favor for the Union Pacific workers laboring on the valley floor east of Promontory. One correspondent grumbled on May 7th:
"We are completely paralyzed here at present, and waiting anxiously for the arrival of the Eastern people. Some dissatisfaction is felt at this prolonged delay, which compels us to sojourn in these regions longer than expected."
Ahead you will leave the railroad grade and return to the main road. Stop number 10 is just beyond the Visitor Center.
If you'd like to continue the self-guided driving tour, please follow the signs 3 miles to the beginning of the East Tour.