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Celebrate an historic event that happened in Utah 150 years ago

Posted at 2:19 PM, Apr 10, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-23 00:30:28-04

A new traveling exhibition in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad has arrived in Utah.

"The Race to Promontory: The Transcontinental Railroad and the America West" is at the Utah Museum of Fine Art through May 26.

It reunites for the first time in Utah the famous Golden (the last spike), Nevada Silver and the Arizona Spikes that were present at the "Meeting of the Rails".

All three spikes are on view through April 28 at the museum, and then at the Utah State Capitol May 8-12, but The Race to Promontory exhibition continues through Sunday, May 26.

The completion of the railroad was celebrated as a national and international event, and it changed the country.  Travel from New York to San Francisco was reduced from six months to just ten days, and at 10 percent of the cost.

On Wednesdays you can see the exhibit for just $5 dollars after 5pm and the first Wednesdays are FREE all day.

For more information please visit: umfa.utah.edu.