Promontory, Railroad junction site in Box Elder County, United States
Promontory is an unincorporated community in Box Elder County, Utah, at an elevation of 1498 meters (4915 feet). The open landscape offers wide views across the Great Salt Lake region.
On May 10, 1869, the completion ceremony of the First Transcontinental Railroad took place here, connecting the eastern and western United States. Four ceremonial spikes were driven into the final tie, one of them made of gold.
The site marks where workers from China and Ireland met after years of laying track from both coasts. Today's daily reenactments feature replica steam locomotives that stood here when the rails finally joined.
The location lies about 54 kilometers (34 miles) west of Brigham City and is reached by a country road through rolling hills. Visitors should allow time for the locomotive demonstrations and wear sturdy shoes, as the ground is uneven.
The original gold and silver spikes were removed after the ceremony and are now displayed elsewhere. The replica locomotives run on real steam and are operated by trained engineers wearing period costumes.
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