On May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit, UT, the golden spike was driven into the final tie that joined 1,776 miles of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways, ceremonially creating the nations first transcontinental railroad.
And America was transformed. Now, there has never been a better time to take the train. Trains are a more energy-efficient mode of travel than either autos or airplanes. Riding the rails is a perfect way to reduce your carbon footprint. Not to mention meet interesting people and see breathtaking scenery. National Train Day celebrates the way trains connect people and places with events from coast to coast.
Image: Public Domain, Wikimedia Commons