The creation of a transcontinental railroad was discussed heavily in the mid-1800 and by the 1860s, it seemed that the project would become a reality. Construction of the railroad began in 1863 and was made possible by the Pacific Railroad Acts of 1862 and 1864, along with U.S. government bonds and land grants of government land.

On this day, May 10th, in 1869, the First Transcontinental Railroad was completed with the driving of a golden spike in Promontory Summit, Utah.  The railroad connected Council Bluff, Iowa/Omaha, Nebraska with Sacramento, California.  The project was a combined effort between Union Pacific Railroad and the Central Pacific Railroad of California.  The driving of the famous Last Spike is considered to be one of the first mass media events in U.S. history.  A large crowd gathered to watch as the spike was driven into place and a telegraph messages was transmitted to both coasts announcing the project’s completion.

The First Transcontinental Railroad reduced cross-country travel time from six months to one week.  The railroad led to great economic development across the United States, as cities began to emerge in previously unpopulated areas along the rail line.  The first time, cross-country passenger rail service was made available, which drastically improved the passenger rail industry.  In the following years, the First Transcontinental Railroad would grow to connect San Francisco, California, bringing the line to the Pacific Ocean.  The First Transcontinental Railroad is still used by rail services today.