We had so much fun going to Promontory Summit!!! In case you didn’t know, it’s where the two trains met up back on May 10, 1869! It marked the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, connecting the Central and Union Pacific Railroads. After that people could travel across the country by rail. We found out while we were there, that at the moment the last spike was driven into the tie a telegraph was sent, “D-O-N-E.” It was like the first reality show! The whole country knew at one time!!!
Having the rails connected shorten the time to get things from coast to coast, including people! The locomotives are very ornate and a sight to behold!
The park ranger said, “They’re not trains unless cars are attached to them, they’re locomotives.” Got it! She told us that they are so beautiful because they were like the billboard for the company that owned them. Later in history locomotives were painted one color and not so beautiful. Boring! Another thing, they got their power from steam. The 119 locomotive on the right is a coal burner. The Jupiter is a wood burner. It was fun because the wood and coal smell was in the air. I found myself wanting to go for a long train ride.
There is a little demonstration where the locomotives moved on the rails, blew their horns, and went backwards and forwards. That was really run!!! One thing I never knew, was something the park ranger pointed out, when the locomotive gets close you can hear the rails “sing”. It’s a clangy, clapping type of sound with a little hum. It was awesome!
Now you know. Promontory Summit is in north western Utah. You should visit if you can. I loved it!
After, we went to the Logan Temple. It has become one of our favorite places for two reasons. One, it is a Holy and Sacred place where we can feel close to our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Two, it is a beautiful temple, and Logan is a charming little town.
I hope you had a wonderful Tuesday!
