Photo taken at Promontory Summit on May 10, 1869, at the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad.
Where East meets West: One of America's most famous photographs, taken at Promontory Summit on May 10, 1869. Deseret News Archives
By Ginny Romney

PROMONTORY SUMMIT — Utah is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the golden spike, the ceremonial final spike that finished off the first transcontinental railroad by connecting the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads on May 10, 1869.

President Russell M. Nelson, leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be among the dignitaries who will be speaking at the ceremony Friday morning.

The participants at the driving of the Golden Spike pose in front of the steam engine No. 119 at Promontory Summit in western Box Elder County on May 10, 1869.
The participants at the driving of the Golden Spike pose in front of the steam engine No. 119 at Promontory Summit in western Box Elder County on May 10, 1869. | Southern Pacific Rail Road

Golden spike details

• When: Friday, May 10 — 11 a.m.

• Where: Golden Spike National Historic Site

Johnny Cash poses in front of the historic engines at Promontory to promote a TV special on the history of the American train in 1974.
Johnny Cash poses in front of the historic engines at Promontory to promote a TV special on the history of the American train in 1974. | Deseret News Archives

How to watch and listen

• TV: KSL, channel 5

• Web/App: deseretnews.com

• Radio: KSL Newsradio 102.7 FM/1160 AM. The broadcast will be on a delay and start at noon.

Why the golden spike matters to Utah

How the event has been celebrated so far

• Thousands turn out as Big Boy locomotive rolls into Ogden

• Irish, Chinese, Latter-day Saints and more forged the nation's transcontinental railroad

• How these 2 Utah museums are honoring the Golden Spike's 150th anniversary

• Christian Sagers: I helped drive the golden spike. Where will American motion take me next?

• 5 quotes about the Golden Spike and the historic completion of the Transcontinental Railroad

• Under its own steam, 'Big Boy' heading for Utah celebration

View Comments

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• Trio of commemorative golden spike stamps to be unveiled Friday

• Spike 150 events celebrate monumental moment in history

• 2 plays put Chinese American workers center stage in Golden Spike 150 celebration

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