First Transcontinental Railroad Groundbreaking Site

First Transcontinental Railroad Groundbreaking Site. . , You are standing where the First Transcontinental Railroad in America had its western origin, at Front and K Streets in Sacramento., On January 8, 1863, prominent citizens and railroad founders gathered here for a groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction of the Central Pacific Railroad. For over six years, thousands labored to connect the Central Pacific from the west with the Union Pacific Railroad from the east., On May 10, 1869, the driving of the "Last Spike" at Promontory, Utah, signified the completion of one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century, uniting the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts. The nation, still recovering from a divisive Civil War, celebrated with cannon and gun salutes and the ringing of the Liberty Bell., For the first time in the history of the world and entire continent could be traversed in a matter of days, by both people and all types of goods., To learn more, visit these nearby places: , The California State Railroad Museum at Second and I Streets exhibits California Historical Landmark plaque No. 780, First Transcontinental Railroad and others., The Sacramento Valley Station, located at Fourth and I Streets, features a large colorful mural painted by artist John A. McQuarrie of the groundbreaking ceremony (a portion is seen above).