The Golden Spike

In fourth grade, the school kids study Utah history. (Well, they study state history. I'm sure if you don't live in Utah, you won't have to study about Utah history. Unless you really want to.) Robyn's grade took a 'road trip' around Utah. They each chose an interesting landmark that you could find on your travels and made a display board to show off their research.

Robyn chose the Golden Spike as her landmark. If you don't know what that is, reach back into your memory of U.S. history. (I hope you have more stored there than I do.) As railroads were built, trade and transportation became much easier. In an effort to connect the entire U.S. by rail, two companies raced across the country building railroads. They met in Utah and commemorated the event by driving the last spike, the golden spike, onto the last railroad tie.

In case you watched The Lone Ranger in the distant past, please do not believe their version. First off, there was no Lone Ranger involved, and second....it didn't take place in Texas. (Thank you Disney for at least keeping the name the same, since it did take place at Promontory Point.)

It was not mandatory for the kids to visit their location, but since we were out that direction when Jami and JR got married, we decided to take a tour of the historic site. Sadly, we got there too late to check out the locomotives. And it wasn't the season where they reenact the coming together of the two trains, but it was still fun to walk around and view a video.

The sun was going down, but there was plenty of time to walk around the tracks. There were plaques every few yards with plenty of facts.

 We found the last commemorative tie.

And then we found a damsel in distress. Luckily, not too many trains along these tracks nowadays.

The kids took a stroll down toward the horizon. Don't go too far or you'll end up in California.

Time for a family photo.

It was really fun to take a peek into history. We saw a bunny while we were out there. But my favorite wild life was the kind we brought with us.

I liked this plaque in the front of the building. It seemed to give a good summary of why Utah is amazing. Ahem...I mean, why that particular spot has significance.

And of course, Robyn did a fabulous job on her project.

I especially liked her depictions of Engine 119 and Jupiter. 

I'm sure I should be much better about taking advantage of Utah's history, but at least I can say we have been out to see the Golden Spike Historical Site now. Maybe that is a good goal for the summer.