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May 10, 1869Reputable sourceWell documented

The transcontinental railroad

On the timeline · around May 10, 1869 · The transcontinental railroad184018501860187018801890

What happened

The golden spike at Promontory Summit joined the Central Pacific and Union Pacific — coast to coast in a week instead of months.

Why it matters

It stitched the continent into one economy and accelerated settlement of the West.

Sources