Near Jean in Clark County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Last Spike
Photographed by Craig Baker, September 14, 2025
1. The Last Spike Marker
On January 30, 1905, near this site, workers drove the last spike that completed the railroad between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Los Angeles, California. This was the last "transcontinental" line to Southern California and one of the last lines built to the Pacific Coast. Although there was no formal celebration at the time of the last spike, those present gave some recognition to the event.
Las Vegas owes its existence to the railroad, then known as the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad. Because the valley had a good supply of water, the railroad company platted the Las Vegas town site and established a division point there.
State Historical Marker No. 195
Erected by State Historic Preservation Office, and Union Pacific Railroad Co. (Marker Number 195.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.
Location. 35° 49.429′ N, 115° 17.248′ W. Marker is near Jean, Nevada, in Clark County. It is on Las Vegas Boulevard South 3.8 miles north of Goodsprings Road, on the right when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Mojave Desert and in Greater Las Vegas. It is also in the American Southwest and in the Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named The Last Spike (approx. 1.4 miles away); The Arrowhead Trail Highway (approx. 3.7 miles away); The Yellow Pine Mining Company Railroad (approx. 3.7 miles away); Jean, Nevada (approx. 3.7 miles away); Goodsprings Veterans Memorial (approx. 7.9 miles away); Goodsprings Cemetery (approx. 7.9 miles away); The Pioneer Saloon (approx. 8.1 miles away); Goods Spring (approx. 8.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jean.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Old Elko Fire Bell
Photographed by James Hulse, September 15, 2017
2. The Last Spike Marker
Replaced marker in 2017
Photographed by Craig Baker, September 14, 2025
3. The Last Spike Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 15, 2010
4. The Last Spike Marker was Missing
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, March 15, 2010
5. The Last Spike Marker
Small pull-off near marker location.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2010. This page has been viewed 2,627 times since then and 135 times this year. Last updated on September 19, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on September 14, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 2. submitted on September 19, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 3. submitted on September 14, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 4, 5. submitted on March 31, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
