Salt Lake City in Salt Lake County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Transcontinental Railroad
By Bryan R. Bauer, September 2, 2010
1. Transcontinental Railroad Marker
As western settlement increased, the need for an overland railroad was voiced by various groups, including Utah pioneers who petitioned Congress, Mar. 1852. The Enabling Act of 1862 authorized construction. First rails laid by Central Pacific in Sacramento, Cal. Oct. 26, 1863; by Union Pacific near Omaha, Neb. July 10, 1865. Strong and determined men hewed the iron road to complete a gigantic task that ended with driving of the Golden Spike at Promotory, Utah May 10, 1869. In lieu of cash settlement on his contract, Brigham Young accepted as partial payment from Union Pacific $600,000 in iron and rolling stock, with which Utah Central Railroad was built, Ogden to Salt Lake City, and dedicated Jan. 10, 1870.Erected 1969 by Daughters of Utah Pioneers - Central Camp. (Marker Number 358.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, and the Transcontinental Railroad series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1864.
Location. 40° 46.161′ N,
By Bryan R. Bauer, September 2, 2010
2. Entrance to Salt Lake City Union Station
Union Station forms the core component of a shopping mall called The Gateway center.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Devereaux House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Staines and William Jennings (about 500 feet away); Westgate Fine Arts Center (approx. 0.3 miles away); Henderson Block (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Henderson Block (approx. 0.3 miles away); Morrison-Merrill Lumber Company (approx. 0.3 miles away); Dr. Martha Hughes Cannon (approx. 0.3 miles away); Central Warehouse Building (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salt Lake City.
More about this marker. The marker is situated just to the right of a benchmark giving an elevation of 4260.840 feet Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL). The benchmark marker also states that the Great Salt Lake is about 55 feet lower.
Regarding Transcontinental Railroad. The Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1867 at Promontory Summit (NOT Promontory Point) not far north of here. But rails did not reach Salt Lake City until 1870.
Also see . . .
1. Rails of History. Information related to the railroad in Utah. (Submitted on September 18, 2010.)
2. Railroad History in Utah. Brigham Young, as community leader and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, foresaw the impact that the coming of the railroad would have and
By Bryan R. Bauer, September 2, 2010
3. Transcontinental Railroad Plaque
By Craig Baker, April 15, 2019
4. Union Station
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
5. Union Station
Historic American Buildings Survey - HABS - Library of Congress
HABS UTAH,18-SALCI,25-2
Click for more information.
HABS UTAH,18-SALCI,25-2
Click for more information.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 10, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. This page has been viewed 1,065 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 16, 2010, by Bryan R. Bauer of Kearns, Ut 84118. 4. submitted on May 10, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5. submitted on September 18, 2010. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
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