Golden Spike National Monument

I am REALLY behind on all of this! We did this little trip back on May 10th on National Train Day (didn't know there was such a thing, did ya?). Anyway, we decided to take a day trip up to Golden Spike National Monument for the reenactment of driving the last spike into the first transcontinental railway. We had be worried that it would be rainy and miserable; but we were pleasantly surprised to find mostly sunny conditions with a cool wind.

It was so much fun to see all of the people dressed in 1860's costume! Several of the older people in the reenactment had a great sense of humor as they explained what was going on to the waiting crowd. The kids were pretty good for such a long drive and John wants to go back to see the trains again. Can't really blame him. The trains were impressive when they got moving.

The train on the left is a replica of the wood burning engine, Jupiter, from the Central Pacific Railroad. The train on the right is the coal burning engine from the Union Pacific railroad (I can't remember her name).

Did you count the stars on that flag? Looks a little different from the one we're used to. Back in 1869, there weren't quite as many states in the Union. Pretty cool arrangement for the stars.

Anyway, here's some video we got of the trains. Here's looking back in time...