Russell, Andrew J. (1829-1902) Last Rail and Driving Last Spike
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04481.03 Author/Creator: Russell, Andrew J. (1829-1902) Place Written: Promontory Summit, Utah Type: Photograph Date: 10 May 1869 Pagination: 1 albumen : b&w ; 35 x 44 cm. Order a Copy
One photograph entitled, "Last Rail and Driving Last Spike," taken by Andrew J. Russell dated May 10, 1869. Image is of the 'Ceremony of the Last Spike,' which celebrated the completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad at the joining of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads. The bright golden spike used to lay the last rail is visible near the center of the photograph, held by a man whose face is blurred. The CPRR's engine "Jupiter" and the UPRR's No. 119 are on either side of the image, about to meet in the ceremony. A crowd stands around watching the proceedings. A man has clambered onto a pole topped with the U.S. flag at the right hand side of the image.
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