Where to Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Golden Spike Close to Park City

Posted by on Monday, May 6th, 2019 at 1:54pm.

Excerpts of this blog were taken from Park City Magazine's Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Golden Spike article by Michaela Wagner

There will be a slew of Golden Spike 150 celebrations throughout the state this month, making the hearts of railroad and history fans happy!  The Golden Spike 150th anniversary is a celebration of the completion of the transcontinental railroad, with many family-friendly events and exhibits through-out the state of Utah.  

If you don't want to travel too far here are several events happening close to Park City:

Whistle Stop in Echo, May 8

Big Boy No. 4014, one of Union Pacific’s historic steam locomotives, rolls into Echo (3525 S. Echo Rd,) as part of Spike 150 revelry. Summit County’s festivities begin at 8 a.m. with live music and food trucks and chug along with the train’s arrival (9:20 a.m.), and it’s departure for Morgan at 9:40 a.m. If you’re feeling particularly sprightly, this presents the perfect opportunity for a morning bike ride or walk on the Historic Rail Trail, which ends/starts in Echo.

Zhi Lin: “Chinaman’s Chance” on Promontory Summit

From now through June 2, visit the Kimball Art Center to see the work of internationally acclaimed artist Zhi Lin. Lin’s art explores the lost history of the Chinese workers who labored for years on the railroads, often doing the most dangerous work. In conjunction with the exhibit, the Kimball will also host several related events including a free panel discussion Art, Activism, and Immigration (May 11). Visit the Kimball Art Center website for more details.

The Chinese Helped Build the Railroad--The Railroad Helped Build America Exhibit 

Part of the Chinese Railroad Workers in North America Project from Stanford University, this traveling exhibit features stories from thousands of Chinese migrants who worked tirelessly on the Transcontinental Railroad. Make sure to check it out while it’s on display at the Park City Library (May 1-11).

Screening of “The Chinese Exclusion Act”

On May 2 at 7 p.m., join Park City Film for a free screening of The Chinese Exclusion Act. Directed by award-winning documentary filmmakers Ric Burns and Li-Shin Yu, this film grapples with what it means to be American, examining history and impact of the unconstitutional 1882 law that banned Chinese immigrants and prevented Chinese nationals from becoming citizens.

Heber Valley Railroad 

Don’t want to drive out all the way to Promontory Summit? Head over to Heber on May 10 (5:30 - 9:30 p.m.) for a Golden Spike celebration at the Heber Valley Railroad, featuring live music, trivia, and fireworks. You’ll have the opportunity to dress in period clothes, pose in front of the steam locomotive for fun photos, dance around a bonfire, and more.

 

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