Why Do We Celebrate National Train Day?

On May 10th, 1869, in Promontory Summit, Utah Territory, the final spike was driven to connect the Central Pacific Railroad Company of California to the Union Pacific, thus completing the first coast-to-coast railroad route in America. This connection ignited safe and rapid expansion throughout the western United States.  It also catalyzed the industrial revolution, allowing people and goods to move quickly across the vast open land of our expanding country. That final spike was a commemorative "Golden Spike" driven in by CPRR President Leland Stanford using a spike hammer plated in silver. The real story however, is that Mr. Stanford missed the spike and it ultimately had to be driven in by a railroad worker.  The Golden Spike is now on display at Stanford University. 

Today, National Train Day commemorates the role railroads played in the development of our country while celebrating the railroads' impact in our daily lives now and in the future. National Train Day is recognized on the 2nd Saturday in May each year. 

Stray Grass will perform a free show on the trackside patio from 12 PM - 2 PM.  Bring a chair and enjoy the music.

The owners will unveil renderings of the future GJ Union Depot.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase (cash only)

Booths will be hosted by the Friends of GJ Union Depot, the Grand Valley Model Railroad Club, the Museum of the West, the Historic Preservation Board of Grand Junction, and the Mesa County Genealogical Society.

We hope to see you there!