#goldenspike

[usnatarchives]

All Aboard: The Journey of Locomotives in the U.S. 🚂💨💨💨

A train's horn and the rhythmic clatter of wheels on rails are more than just sounds. They are echoes of an era that transformed America. Delving deep into the National Archives Catalog, we unearth treasures that tell the tale of the nation's love affair with locomotives.

The dawn of American rail travel began in the early 19th century. The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, founded in 1827, marked the nation's entry into the world of rail. Locomotives like the Tom Thumb demonstrated the potential of train travel, even if they occasionally lost races to horse-drawn carriages.

By the 1860s, the monumental task of connecting the East to the West was achieved with the First Transcontinental Railroad. This incredible feat, symbolized by the golden spike at Promontory Summit in Utah, stitched the fabric of the nation together, making cross-country travel faster and more accessible than ever before.

The golden age of railroads ushered in luxurious train journeys. Trains like the Pullman Sleeping Cars offered Americans unprecedented comfort, making long-distance travel not just bearable but enjoyable. Meanwhile, iconic stations like New York's Grand Central Terminal and D.C.'s Union Station became symbols of the grandeur and promise of rail travel.

As the nation progressed, so did the role of trains. They were vital in transporting troops during wars, crucial for trade, and a lifeline for communities far from urban centers. However, with the advent of the 20th century and the rise of cars and airplanes, the prominence of train travel waned.

From the smoky beginnings in the 1800s to the streamlined trains of today, locomotives have been an integral part of America's journey, carrying not just people and goods, but dreams and hopes of a constantly evolving nation.

FURTHER READING:

Freedom Train https://prologue.blogs.archives.gov/2015/07/01/new-web-exhibit-on-the-freedom-train/

RFK Funeral Train

[lokittysarmy]

Lokitty: Finally a throne worthy of my greatness!⠀ ⠀ posted on Instagram - https://ift.tt/34ecF7U

[railwayhistorical]

Green River, Wyoming

This river cuts through a truly unique and intriguing part of the country. The oxen of pioneers couldn’t wait to drink from the namesake stream on the grueling trip west in the middle of the 19th century. The Union Pacific came through here in 1868 on its way to Promontory Summit.

Timothy O’Sullivan, the talented Civil War photographer, made many well-known views here during the time of governmental geographic surveys after the war. For more on the history of this place, see David Bain’s The Old Iron Road.

In the first image (above), we see a westbound train moving past the huge brick station, while in the next the same train moves forward on the other side of the foot bridge there in town (below)—Castle Rock looms in the background.

Contemporary Views Along the First Transcontinental Railroad—Text and images © Richard Koenig.

[goparks]

Nestled in Utah, Golden Spike National Historical Site tells the history of the first American transcontinental railroad.

[historyinfullcolor]

Golden Spike – Completion of Transcontinental Railroad, May 10, 1869

“Done” – Telegraph message triggering celebrations

It was the 19th century’s equivalent to the moon landing.  The ability to travel across America by rail would be featured in Jules Verne’s 1873 adventure novel, “Around the World in 80 Days”.

On May 10, 1869, the ceremonial placement of a golden spike completed the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad.   Travel from the East to West Coast by railroad became possible in three-and a-half days instead of six months.  

The Ceremony featured the Union Pacific’s steam Engine No. 119 (aimed West) touching cowcatchers with Central Pacific’s wood burning Jupiter (aimed East) at Promontory Summit, Utah.

It was the idea of Theodore “Crazy” Judah to cobble a system of railroads to travel sea to sea.  He sold presidential candidate Abraham Lincoln, among others, on the plan.  Lincoln noted that in his experience, railroad projects tended to fail due to lack of funding to complete the project.  

On July 1, 1862, Lincoln signed the Pacific Railway Act.  Two companies would build the railroad with funds from the sale of adjacent land.  Construction broke ground in 1863 from the two farthest terminals and would meet in the middle. Lack of labor due to the Civil War delayed construction.  

The Irish, Chinese, Mormons, former slaves, Ex-Confederate and Ex-Union soldiers would build the line. The path of the railroad went through the hunting grounds of the Indians and mountains made of solid granite. Weather did not stop the work.  Ten tunnels were drilled in 30 feet of deep snow. Both sides “raced” to lay the most track.

From Utah, telegraph operators reported each stage of the ceremony. Approximately 500 people, including two Wells Fargo stage drivers who drove the last runs of their route attended.  

The honor of driving in the Golden Spike was given to Central Pacific’s Leland Stanford and Union Pacific’s Dr. T. C. Durant.  Both missed their blow.  A bottle of champagne was broken as a christening.  Cheers were given and alcohol flowed.  After the ceremony the Golden Spike was quickly exchanged with the standard.

Celebrations were held across the country.  Factory whistles blew, cannons were fired, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, Penn. was struck, and a seven-mile parade was held in Chicago, Ill.

The goal of the Transcontinental Railroad was to facilitate trade and communication with China and Japan. Instead, in 1891, it was determined that 95 percent of the rail usage was national not international, fueling internal growth.

[trainmaniac]

2018 Winter Steam Festival, Golden Spike National Historic Site, Utah. Camera: Graflex Crown Graphic Pacemaker (1955). Film: New55 Atomic-X 100. Process: Kodak D-76 (Stock) 7:00 @ 20c. by Shaun Nelson Via Flickr: 2018 Winter Steam Festival, Golden Spike National Historic Site, Utah. Camera: Graflex Crown Graphic Pacemaker (1955). Film: New55 Atomic-X 100. Process: Kodak D-76 (Stock) 7:00 @ 20c.

[railwayhistorical]

A Real Draw

Two of the big draws at the Golden Spike National Historic Park are operating replicas of the two steam locomotives on hand for the joining of the rails in 1868. Jupiter was from the Central Pacific, while number 118 served for the Union Pacific. These locomotives are steamed out and into their pose for about two-thirds of the year. It’s always a shock for me to see how engines were painted back in this time period.

Contemporary Views Along the First Transcontinental Railroad—Text and images © Richard Koenig.

[railwayhistorical]

West of Elm Creek

This is a westbound Union Pacific train of empty coal hoppers as seen from a road crossing just west of Elm Creek, Nebraska. The sun is finally getting low to provide the photographer with some good light.

With the state of Nebraska being flat, the current active railroad runs pretty much atop the original line laid out by UP’s surveyors in the 1860s.

Contemporary Views Along the First Transcontinental Railroad—Text and images © Richard Koenig.