May 10th, 2026 Golden Spike Re enactment

Hinzugefügt: 2026-05-22

[00:00:43]On behalf of the officials of both railroads, the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific, I bid you welcome.

[00:00:56]We are assembled here to link the ends of the earth to commemorate a project so remarkable that represents the vision, the determination, and the labor of thousands of men in the union which this day will be commemorated and remembered forever. We are assembled here to link the ends of the earth, enjoying the raw riches of the American West with the finished products of the industrial east. We are also meant this day with mixed emotions with joy that in a combined effort and a common cause, the brains, the sweat and the muscle of thousands of men have joined together under the guidance of Almighty God. But it is with profound sorrow that we remember and pay homage to the hundreds of men who gave their lives that we might stand here at this moment and share one with another this sacred occasion.

[00:02:03]Among those whose presence we are honored to acknowledge at this time include a number of railroad officials from both lines in addition to those taking part in the ceremony. We are pleased to have reporters from some of America's great newspapers.

[00:02:18]From the territory of Utah, we have Bishop John Sharp, the railroad bishop representing Governor Brigham Young. We also have Mayor Lauren Far of Ogden. The beautifully uniformed band with his new instruments is from the Mormon Church 10th Court in Salt Lake City. Of utmost importance is a telegraph operator who will keep the whole United States informed of these proceedings as they transpire. He is Mr. WN Schilling, Western Union operator from the Ogden, Utah office.

[00:02:57]We take pride in the presence of the 21st Infantry Band and some of the men of the regiment. They are under the command of Major Mittton Codwell and Lieutenant JC Courier of Company K. Now, to unite us in thanks to our creator, may I introduce a man who has traveled many weary miles to be with us today. He is the Reverend John Todd of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Reverence >> from proator to the country bulletin almost ready off our prayer is being offered.

[00:03:38]Our father of God our father God of creation god of problems thou has created the heavens the earth valleys and the hills also the god of all mercies and blessings. We rejoice that thou has created the human mind with its powers of expansion, its capacity of expansion and its success.

[00:04:00]>> Now we have assembled here this day upon the height of this continent from various sections of our country to do homage to thy wonderful name and that thou has brought this mighty enterprise to finding the commerce of the east and the gold of the west to so glorious in completion.

[00:04:17]Oh God, we implore thy blessings upon it. We consecrate it for the good of thy people and for all those who sacrifice to bring about this beautiful transaction.

[00:04:35]We consecrate this highway for the good of thy people. Oh God, we implore thy blessings upon it and upon thy people everywhere that peace may flow unto them as a gentle stream and that this mighty enterprise may be unto us as the Atlantic of thy strength and the Pacific of thy love and Jesus the redeemer.

[00:04:54]Amen. Amen.

[00:04:57]>> From promator to the country bulletin pray the last fight is about to be presented.

[00:05:06]Thank you, Reverend Todd. And now I should like to introduce three of the men who will drive some of the last necessary flags. They are WH Nam, President of the Michigan, Lake Shorello, and two United States Commissioners, Mr. J. Wes and Mr. William Sherman.

[00:05:32]Did Mr. Haynes make it here? Mr. Okay, >> gentlemen, if you will drive these last three spikes.

[00:06:06]Well done, gentlemen.

[00:06:09]At this time, it is my pleasure to introduce a fellow resident of Sacramento, Dr. W. Hartner, who will present to Dr. Thomas C. Durant of the Union Pacific Railroad and Governor Leland Stanford of the Central Pacific Railroad. Two railroad spikes.

[00:06:28]Dr. Durant and Governor Stanford will then place these spikes into holes that have already been drilled in the Lawood ties.

[00:06:36]But these are not ordinary spikes, ladies and gentlemen. These are golden spikes made from pure California gold.

[00:06:47]Dr. Gentlemen of the Pacific Railroad and those of you who have met with us, the last spike needed to unite the Atlantic and the Pacific by a new line of trade commerce is about to be turned in first place.

[00:07:09]>> To perform this act, the East and the West have come together.

[00:07:15]Never since history has commenced her record of human events has man been called upon to meet the completion of a work so magnificent in contemplation so marvelous in execution.

[00:07:29]California within its borders and by its citizens the Pacific Railroad was inaugurated desired to express her appreciation to the vast importance to her and her sister states of the great enterprise which by joint action is about to be consummated.

[00:07:51]For her minds are gold she has forged a spike. From Laura Woods she has hon.

[00:07:58]And from the hands of her citizens she offers them to be a part of the great highway which will unify her in greater fellowship to her sisters of the Atlantic.

[00:08:10]From her bosom was taken for soil. Let this be the last time and these last spikes.

[00:08:22]and with them the hopes and wishes of her people that your enterprise may not stop short from its brightest promise.

[00:08:34]This spike >> was donated by Frank Marriott, publisher of the San Francisco newsletter. Its inscription reads, "The San Francisco newsletter offered its homage to the great work which has joined the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans this month, May 1869."

[00:08:57]>> In conclusion, I'd like to draw your attention to this spike.

[00:09:02]>> Give the David Hughes of San Francisco >> on the head is inscribed the last spike.

[00:09:10]Three sides from railroad officials.

[00:09:20]This country as this railroad two great oceans of the world.

[00:09:35]Thank you. Govern And now it is my pleasure to introduce Mr. Fa Trial.

[00:10:12]>> Congratulations upon the completion of this modern day miracle. This silverplated spike mall is symbolic of our good wishes.

[00:10:31]Very well done.

[00:11:00]At this point, I should point out that the last spike is a regular iron railroad spike that can be driven with the mall. Both the spike and the mall have been wired to the transcontinental telegraph line so that people everywhere can hear the blows as the spike is driven.

[00:11:31]And now, ladies and gentlemen, the moment has arrived. Boston and New Orleans have wired that they are ready and waiting. Indeed, throughout the length and breadth of the country, people everywhere are waiting at every Western Union office. As Mr. Schilling gives a signal that the last spike is driven. A magnetic ball will fall in the dome of the national capital.

[00:11:57]In San Francisco, the fire alarm bell will ring. A volley of 200 rounds will be fired and salute at Fort Point. And in Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell will ring again.

[00:12:15]>> Gentlemen, are you ready? I believe we're ready.

[00:12:22]>> To the country.

[00:12:24]>> All is ready. Now >> 12:40 p.m. Doctor directed the spike.

[00:12:31]>> The spike will soon be driven.

[00:12:34]>> The signal will be three dots for the commencement of the blower.

[00:12:38]Let's finish.

[00:12:40]>> You got this.

[00:12:45]>> Let's see if you can do any better.

[00:12:47]>> I'm not sure I can do much better, but I'll give it my best.

[00:13:00]Well, that's the way >> you gentlemen finish this railroad to the entry bulletin.

[00:13:27]T O N E