The Transcontinental Railroad

The Transcontinental Railroad was finished in 1869. It connected the east coast of America to the west coast by train. Before the railroad, the trip across the country took months. After, it took only about a week. This changed America forever.

Building the Railroad

Two companies built the railroad. One started in the east and one in the west. They worked toward each other for six years. Many workers came from China, Ireland, and other places. The work was dangerous and very hard.

A map showing the first train route across all of America.
A map showing the first train route across all of America. (Cave cattum / Wikimedia Commons)

The Golden Spike

The two railroad lines met in Promontory, Utah, on May 10, 1869. A special golden spike was hammered into the ground. This showed the railroad was finished. People across the country celebrated the big event.

Fun Facts

  • The railroad was 1,912 miles long from Omaha to Sacramento.
  • Chinese workers built most of the hardest parts through the mountains.
  • A cross-country trip that took 6 months by wagon took only 7 days by train.

Did You Know?

The golden spike used at the ceremony was later removed and replaced with a regular iron spike.