The Development of the Transcontinental Railroad

Gold

Dec 1, 1848

President James K. Polk announces the abundance of gold in California.

First board of Directors

Nov 1, 1860

6 men organized themselves as the first board of directors of the centural Pacific railroad company.

Law is Passed

Jul 1, 1862

President Lincholn signs the Pacific Railroad Act into law. The bill charters the Central Pacific and the Unuon Pacific raillroad companies to build a railroad from Omaha, Nebraska to Sacromento. Each company receives 6,400 acres of land and $48,000 in bonds per mile built.

Starting construction

Oct 26, 1863

The Central Pacific started construction in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Union Pacific

Jul 10, 1865

Union Pacific workers spiked the first rail in Omaha Nebraska, near the Missouri River.

Summit tunnel completed

Aug 28, 1867

Central Pacific workers using nitroglyerin manufactured on-site complete the 1,659 foot long Summit Tunnel, a task that took 15 months to complete

First passenger train

Jun 18, 1868

First passenger train from Sacremento arrives in Reno, Nevada crossing the Sierrra Nevada mountain range.

Promentory point

May 1, 1869

The Union Pacific and the Central Pacific meet together at promentory point in 1869.

First bullet train

Oct 1, 1964

worlds first bullet train