News & Reviews News Wire Union Pacific to host two-year-long celebration of the Transcontinental Railroad completion NEWSWIRE

Union Pacific to host two-year-long celebration of the Transcontinental Railroad completion NEWSWIRE

By Angela Cotey | May 15, 2017

| Last updated on November 3, 2020


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img_up_great_race_logo
UP has created this new 150th anniversary logo celebrating the completion of the transcontinental railroad in May 1869.
Union Pacific
OMAHA, Neb. — Union Pacific is launching a two-year-long celebration commemorating the great race to complete the Transcontinental Railroad nearly 150 years ago. During the next two years, the railroad will host a traveling exhibit, give out commemorative golden spikes, and host several steam train visits.

The events and activities will take place leading up to the anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad’s completion at Promontory Summit, Utah, on May 10, 1869.

Some of the activities include a traveling exhibit that shows how different communities are connected with the transcontinental route with photographs and animated maps. The exhibits will visit several cities on UP’s system.

Golden spikes given to community partners will include a plaque and message highlighting the bond between Union Pacific and the communities it serves.

A separate exhibit containing original photographs documenting the transcontinental railroad construction will travel around the country in partnership with the Joslyn Art Museum. The exhibit titled: Race to Promontory: The Transcontinental Railroad and the American West, will make visits in California, Utah, and Omaha. Specific venues or dates have not been announced.

The railroad also alluded that it would host steam locomotive trips across the transcontinental route prior to the actual 150th anniversary in May 2019. Specific itineraries or dates were not included in the railroad’s news release.

5 thoughts on “Union Pacific to host two-year-long celebration of the Transcontinental Railroad completion NEWSWIRE

  1. UP should also consider that the link was a national link and extend their tour to major centers across the country

  2. I hope that UP will embrace their heritage even more with this by being more open to allowing steam engines from their predecessor roads to operate on the main line.

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