episode summary

High in the Utah desert in 1869, two locomotives met and a golden spike was hammered into new rails: the first transcontinental railroad was complete. To mark the 150th anniversary of this feat, Utah organized a statewide effort called “Spike 150,” with exhibitions and events engaging a diverse public. Host Ed Ayers visits to learn about the railroad’s promise of prosperity. He considers the human costs, with a descendant of a Chinese American railroad builder and a Native American tribal leader. And he discovers how the environment and photography played key roles on the rails.

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sites visited (in order of appearance on-screen)

  • Golden Spike National Historical Park, Grand Promontory, UT

  • Historic territory of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, Grand Promontory, UT

  • Brigham Young University, Museum of Art, Provo, UT

  • Rio Grande Station, Salt Lake City, UT

  • Oakridge Elementary School, Millcreek, UT