When did the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads came together?

As the United States expanded from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, the need for transportation across the country grew. In 1862, Congress passed the Pacific Railway Act. This law authorized the Central Pacific to begin building the transcontinental railroad eastward from Sacramento, California, and the Union Pacific to begin building westward from Omaha, Nebraska. The goal was to have these two railroad companies meet, which would complete the building of the transcontinental railroad.

Building the transcontinental railroad was a difficult task. There were several obstacles to overcome. The mountains made it hard to build the railroad. Unfriendly Native American tribes presented problems. The climate wasn’t always great for building a railroad. The hot summers and cold winters presented challenges.

Eventually, both companies completed laying the track, and they met at Promontory Point, Utah on May 10, 1869. The final spike was driven into the tracks. The building of the transcontinental railroad was now completed.