It was a day for prayers, speeches, music, and thought-provoking words. It was the 2-hour Golden Spike 150th anniversary celebration at the National Park Service site at Promontory Summit, Utah, on May 10, 2019. More than 10,000 spectators attended, drawn by the need to be where history was made in 1869. Here's a quick look at the ceremony that attracted anyone and everyone interested in railroad history.
Performers present a live musical, "As One."
Traffic on the entrance road to the park service site.
Crowd estimates were between 10,000 and 12,000 spectators.
Cast portrays the famous champagne photo.
Another take on the champagne photo.
Chinese lion dance for good luck and happiness.
U.S. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt addresses the crowd.
Rios Pacheco delivers a Native American prayer and blessing.
Utah Governor Gary Herbert delivers his remarks.
U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop announces the designation of the Golden Spike National Historical Park.
Supporters display the new sign for the park.
U.S. Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah displays a ceremonial copper spike made for the event and presented to the state of Utah.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao speaks about the role of the ignored Chinese workers.
Union Pacific CEO Lance Frtiz talks about his company's pride in its history.
Wreath laying memorializing the workers who lost their in the construction of the railroad.
Presidential historian Jon Meacham puts the transcontinental railroad in contest of U.S. history and today.
Re-enactors dramatize the original golden spike ceremony.
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.