SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California State Railroad Museum & Foundation and Union Pacific Railroad are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, one of the greatest technological feats of the 19th century which helped connect the country.
“The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad is not simply a railroad story, it is our story,” Ty Smith, Museum Director of the California State Railroad Museum, said. “It is a milestone of monumental importance, at the Railroad Museum, we are honored to do our part to interpret the complex history and share the stories of the people who lived, worked, and died in this tremendous endeavor."
On Jan. 8, 1863, California governor Leland Stanford broke ground in Sacramento to begin construction of the Central Pacific Railroad. Six years later, the first Transcontinental Railroad was completed on May 10, 1869, when Stanford drove a ceremonial gold spike at Promontory Summit, Utah to officially connect the country.
As part of a series of special events, activities and exhibits designed to commemorate the railroad’s anniversary, the California State Railroad Museumare is inviting everyone to tour the new experience, "Union Pacific Rail Car," a new, multimedia walk-through exhibit that provides a glimpse at the past and modern-day railroading, Union Pacific Railroad spokesperson Francisco Castillo said.
“It’s very visual and includes interactive technology for young and old,” Castillo said.
Guests learn about the investment, hard work and knowledge that went into building the Transcontinental Railroad. The Union Pacific rail car will be on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 19 through Monday April 22 in Old Sacramento.
Other special events to commemorate the Transcontinental Railroad 150th anniversary:
HeritageRail Conference in Sacramento – April 25-27
A gathering of railroad operators, historians and supporters from throughout North America to visit Sacramento for an annual conference that is timed to help kick off the sesquicentennial celebration.
Judah Map on Public Display inside the Railroad Museum – Debuts in April 2019
For six weeks in Spring 2019, visitors to the California State Railroad will have the unique opportunity to see the 66’ Judah Map in person – on loan from the California State Archives – that has never been on public display in its entirety. Theodore Judah was the first engineer to systematically explore the western Sierra Nevada mountains and map the route of the Central Pacific Railroad. The map will debut on April 15, 2019 and will remain on public display through May 31, 2019.
Gold Spike Exhibit Redesign inside the Railroad Museum – Spring 2019
The California State Railroad Museum is home to both the priceless “lost” Gold Spike and the famous “Last Spike” painting by Thomas Hill. The spike was cast at the same time as the gold spike used at the Promontory Summit ceremony. Thomas Hill’s painting illustrates the scene of the famous joining of the Union and Central Pacific Railroads.
The Chinese Workers’ Experience Exhibit inside the Railroad Museum – Spring 2019
The California State Railroad Museum plans to debut an enhanced exhibit that will showcase and share stories of the of Chinese railroad workers who were essential in the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. To help personalize and bring their experiences to life, the Railroad Museum convened members of a Chinese Community Advisory Committee to obtain personal histories and stories from descendants of Chinese railroad workers. Many of their shared recollections – that have been passed down for generations – will be incorporated into the exhibit.
Free Community Sesquicentennial Event – May 8, 2019
To gain a better understanding and experience the commemorative events to those that took place 150 years prior, the California State Railroad Museum invites the community to visit the Old Sacramento Waterfront for a free outdoor Sesquicentennial event beginning at 10 a.m. May 8, 2019.
For more details and updated information about events, activities and exhibits presented by the California State Railroad Museum & Foundation, click here.