Not only did the Railroad Act of 1862 lay out a grand plan of connecting the continent by rail, but the legislation called for a communication transformation as well. A telegraph line was to be strung along the transcontinental route ushering in an era of instant communication from coast to coast.
For four years, Americans closely followed the progress of the Pacific Railroad in their newspapers, anxious to see it completed. By May of 1869, intense attention was focused on this desolate corner of northern Utah. The entire country was eager for the word that the last spike had been driven.
Through the miracle of electricity and a tiny copper wire a telegraph signal triggered a truly transcontinental extravaganza.
As the word went out over the wires, the nation went wild. In city after city, church bells rang, trains hooted, fire engines howled, gongs clanged, and canons thundered. Citizens thronged to the streets to watch parades. People sang the "Star-Spangled Banner," prayed, and shouted themselves hoarse. Countless orators hailed this as "great day" of national destiny.
At the tracks a hundred yards ahead, you may stand where the signal was sent that ushered in an era of unimagined promise for the United States.
Omaha Telegraph (to all Western Union stations:)
TO
EVERYBODY: KEEP QUIET. WHEN THE LAST SPIKE IS DRIVEN...WE WILL SAY DONE. DON'T BREAK THE CIRCUIT, BUT WATCH FOR THE BLOWS OF THE HAMMER.
Promontory Telegraph
ALMOST READY. HATS OFF. PRAYER IS BEING OFFERED.
Chicago Telegraph
WE UNDERSTAND. ALL ARE READY IN THE EAST.
Promontory Telegraph
ALL READY NOW. THE SPIKE WILL SOON BE DRIVEN. THE SIGNAL WILL BE THREE DOTS FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE BLOWS.
Promontory Telegraph
TO GENERAL U.S.GRANT PRESIDENT OF THE U.S. WASHINGTON D.C. SIR: WE HAVE THE HONOR TO REPORT THE LAST RAIL LAID AND THE LAST SPIKE DRIVEN. THE PACIFIC RAILROAD IS FINISHED. LELAND STANFORD, THOMAS C. DURANT
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