Place

A New Era

A New Era
A New Era

NPS Photo

The Promontory Mountains, which once served as a looming reminder of the harsh terrain, now stand watch over the achievements of those who labored here. These same achievements remain preserved at Golden Spike National Historical Park as a tribute to the perseverance and talents of all who worked to complete an engineering marvel and open a new chapter in our nation's history - the era of the railroad!

This new era brought sweeping changes to American and united the country as never before. Geographically, economically, and politically, the nation was tied together by a band of iron rails on which a new generation of Americans raced to lay claim to a future full of promise.

We hope that you have enjoyed your walk along the Big Fill Trail. For more information about the transcontinental railroad, talk to a ranger, visit our website at www.nps.gov/gosp, or visit the bookstore in our visitor center.

Golden Spike National Historical Park

Last updated: March 28, 2026