The Transcontinental Railroad began outside of Omaha Nebraska in a town called Council Bluffs with the Union Pacific. It also started in Sacramento and went eastward with the Central Pacific. The race was on! The two met in Promontory Summit, Utah on May 10, 1869 in the golden spike ceremony.

   

            

                        

The Golden Spike is on display at Stanford University. When Leland Stanford went to hit it, he swung and missed. Oops.

 

                     

Not the real golden spike ... a golden spike was ceremonially installed in Promontory Summit.