FIRST - Transcontinental Railroad Groundbreaking Site
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member NW_history_buff
N 38° 34.955 W 121° 30.368
10S E 630115 N 4271515
This historic placard is located on Front and K Streets in Old Sacramento and marks this site's historic groundbreaking ceremony of its western origin of the railroad.
Waymark Code: WMHAZY
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 06/17/2013
Published By:Groundspeak Premium Member Zork V
Views: 9
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Visitors walking along Old Sacramento might notice a historical placard that hangs on the south side of a building along Front Street and K Street. The sign reads:

FIRST TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD GROUNDBREAKING SITE

You are standing where the First Transcontinental Railroad in America had its western origin, at Front and K Streets in Sacramento.

On January 8, 1863, prominent citizens and railroad founders gathered here for a groundbreaking ceremony to begin construction of the Central Pacific Railroad. For over six years, thousands labored to connect the Central Pacific from the west with the Union Pacific Railroad from the east.

On May 10, 1869, the driving of the "Last Spike" at Promontory, Utah, signified the completion of one of the greatest engineering feats of the 19th century, uniting the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts. The nation, still recovering from a divisive Civil War, celebrated with cannon and gun salutes and the ringing of the Liberty Bell.

For the first time in the history of the world and entire continent could be traversed in a matter of days, by both people and all types of goods.

The California State Railroad Museum is located north on Front Street, not far from here and contains a wealth of information and static train displays and other railroad equipment displays in and around the museum building. The museum website contains a good historical writeup of the Transcontinental Railroad here.

FIRST - Classification Variable: Item or Event

Date of FIRST: 01/08/1863

More Information - Web URL: [Web Link]
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