May 10, 1869Reputable sourceWell documented
The transcontinental railroad
On the timeline · around May 10, 1869 ·
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
- US National Park Service. Golden Spike National Historical Park · Reputable source