The Golden Spike

This photograph, taken on May 10, 1869, captures one of America's most defining moments in history: the completion of the nation's first transcontinental railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah - the point where Union Pacific rails originating from Omaha, Nebraska met the Central Pacific rails coming from Sacramento, California. This rail system took six years to complete and was built entirely by hand with a labor force of 20,000. The task was completed and celebrated with the driving of the last and now renowned "golden spike." Although there were a number of glass plate exposures taken at the Golden Spike Ceremony, this particular image is the most famous, and is often referred to as "The Champagne Photo."