(The Associated Press circulated the following on May 11, 2011.)
PROMONTORY, Utah — If you thought the driving of the last spike to join the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads on May 10, 1869, took place at Promontory Point, you’re not alone.
That point was made on the 142nd anniversary of the event by Promontory resident Ron Porter at the 60th annual re-enactment of the Golden Spike Ceremony at Promontory Summit. The spot is 35 miles north of Promontory Point.
Porter, a regular actor in the re-enactment ceremony held at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. every Saturday and holiday from now until October, explained that many history books still get wrong that detail, as well as a host of other facts about the event.
The first golden spike was engraved with the date May 8, 1869, the date the ceremony was supposed to take place, said the 13-year re-enactment veteran.
The first golden spike was engraved with the date May 8, 1869, the date the ceremony was supposed to take place, said the 13-year re-enactment veteran.
But typical troubles of living in the rough-and-tumble West confused the plans, setting the ceremony back two days and setting it up for miscommunication.
Full story: Albany Times-Union