ALL NEWS

Hikers highlight the unsung railroad heroes of Golden Spike

Apr 29, 2019, 2:15 PM

golden spike railroad worker celebration...

Jack Shu, of California, gives instructions to other hikers during their trek to commemorate the 150th anniversary of immigrant railroad workers building ten miles of track in one day at the Golden Spike National Historic Site in Corinne on Sunday, April 28, 2019. Photo: Silas Walker, Deseret News

CORINNE, Utah — Ahead of the 150th anniversary of the connection of the East and West at Promontory Summit, history enthusiasts are trying to raise awareness about the immigrant workers responsible for making the transcontinental railroad a reality.

This weekend, about 30 people hiked at Golden Spike National Historic Monument to commemorate the 150th anniversary of a different but related event: the day immigrant railroad workers laid 10 miles of track in a single day.

Chinese immigrants golden spike railroad

In this historic photo, Chinese workers use dump-carts to build a fill across a ravine while building the Transcontinental Railroad. Photo: National Park Service

Organizer Jack Shu wants people to appreciate the unsung heroes – mostly Chinese and Irish immigrants – who gave their lives to connect the railroads – and therefore the country. Many of the workers endured 10 to 12-hour shifts, six days a week, which doesn’t account for the sometimes dangerous conditions.

“[There were] two deaths for every three miles,” Shu said. “We need to bring that out in the history. That’s the cost of building the transcontinental railway.”

Shu said it’s only fitting to honor those immigrants as the Golden Spike monument prepares for its 150th birthday coming up in May.

“Change the focus to the people who made it happen. That celebrates immigrants, it celebrates workers and the contributions that workers can make to the building of the United States,” Shu said.

The “Spike 150” event marking the day the railroads connected 150 years ago will run from May 10 to May 12 at Promontory Summit near Corinne with different historical reenactments, demonstrations and performances. The National Park Service says parking passes for May 10 are sold out, but are still available for May 11 and May 12.

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

All News

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of t...

Simone Seikaly

Extending state flooding emergency, firearm restrictions, among topics for Utah special session

The OLRGC released an analysis of the expected topics to be discussed during a special session of the legislature.

11 months ago

A video recorded by Facebook user Larry Jacquez shows the police response following the shooting in...

Jamiel Lynch, CNN     

At least 3 people killed and 2 officers wounded in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police say

Multiple people were shot and at least three killed in a shooting in Farmington, New Mexico, police said in a Facebook post.

11 months ago

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible...

Waverly Golden

Younger adults are becoming more susceptible to strokes

A new release from Intermountain Healthcare shows that younger adults are becoming more susceptible to stroke.

11 months ago

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now....

Allessandra Harris

Camping over Memorial Day Weekend? Plan ahead

If you plan to camp over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to begin the planning process now.

11 months ago

slcpd on the scene of the deaths...

Josh Ellis

Police: Teen killed by father in murder-suicide in SLC office building

Police responded to the office complex near 3000 S. Highland Drive on Saturday after emergency responders received a call from a community member who reported finding a body.

11 months ago

Melissa Coleman crouches next to her husband, , Brad Coleman, of North Ogden, who sits in a wheelch...

Jenny Carpenter, KSL.com

Young stroke victim survives with quick, lifesaving treatment in northern Utah

After a 36-year-old man had a stroke, he and his wife say to be aware of the signs of stroke and that young people are also at risk.

11 months ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

Hikers highlight the unsung railroad heroes of Golden Spike