May 10 in American History

May 10, 1869 — the transcontinental railroad is completed

At Promontory Summit, Utah, a golden spike joined the rails from east and west, completing the first transcontinental railroad. A journey that once took months by wagon now took days. Built largely by Irish and Chinese immigrant labor at enormous human cost, it stitched the continent together and remade the American economy.

Common Questions

What happened on May 10 in American history?

In 1869: the transcontinental railroad is completed. At Promontory Summit, Utah, a golden spike joined the rails from east and west, completing the first transcontinental railroad.

Why is May 10 significant?

At Promontory Summit, Utah, a golden spike joined the rails from east and west, completing the first transcontinental railroad. A journey that once took months by wagon now took days. Built largely by Irish and Chinese immigrant labor at enormous human cost, it stitched the continent together and remade the American economy.

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