Golden Spike - a view from the Central Pacific rail bed

This view is looking toward the southwest from the Central Pacific rail bed along the East Grade Auto Tour route. The crest of the Promontory Mountains is in the distance. The Union Pacific Grade (visible down the slope) was built parallel to the Central Pacific Grade across the Promontory Mountains. The parallel construction effort took place for nearly a year starting in mid 1868 while members of Congress stalled the decision to choose the final location where the two railroads should meet. The final location was chosen to be Promontory Summit (near the Visitor Center)(Bain, 1999).