Union Pacific celebrates the Great Race to Promontory

"The driving of the final rail spike defined Union Pacific as the economic engine that connected people, moved goods and transformed America's progress," said Scott Moore, Union Pacific senior vice president - Corporate Relations. "We look forward to honouring the communities and railroad development that played critical roles in our country's growth and way of life."

Union Pacific representatives presented Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg with a commemorative golden spike in nearly the exact location where 1860s California Governor Leland Stanford broke ground for CP in Sacramento. The presentation was webcasted on Facebook Live, launching Union Pacific's two-year celebration of the Great Race to Promontory.

The company introduced up.com/goldenspike, an interactive website illustrating the journey through 46 communities profoundly impacted by the railroad. The site features rare photographs and animated maps illustrating how America was built. Union Pacific also launched the following series of activities and celebrations that bring each community's history to life.

• Community travelling exhibit – A traveling history display documenting each community's connection to the transcontinental railroad's construction with photographs and descriptions. Education materials will be available to schools and other organisations hosting the exhibit.
• Commemorative Golden Spike –  An encased golden spike for community partners along the transcontinental route. A plaque inside the box reads, "Towns developed, and the bond between UP and the early settlements grew. As we celebrate the 150^th Golden Spike anniversary, UP is proud of these long-standing community relationships." 
• Race to Promontory: The Transcontinental Railroad and the American West – A landmark art exhibition in partnership with the Joslyn Art Museum highlighting Union Pacific's collection of original photographs documenting the transcontinental railroad's construction. Union Pacific has the world's largest collection of these photographs, some of which have rarely been seen by the general public. Exhibitions are planned for California, Utah and Omaha, Nebraska.
• Steam train visits – A Union Pacific steam locomotive and heritage train will travel over the transcontinental railroad for community celebrations prior to the actual 150^th anniversary 10 May, 2019.

Read the article online at: https://www.drybulkmagazine.com/dry-bulk/12052017/union-pacific-celebrates-the-great-race-to-promontory/