had been accomplished — a feeling similar to what later generations would experience exactly 100 years later when man first walked on the moon. Although photography was still in its infancy, the Golden Spike Ceremony was one of the best documented events of the 19th century. No less than three photographers were present, including Alfred A. Hart representing the Cen- tral Pacific; A. J. Russell representing the UP; and commercial photographer Charles Savage of Salt Lake City. One of A.J. Russell’s wet-plate collodion im- ages from that afternoon, “East and West Shaking Hands at Laying of Last Rail,” otherwise known as the “Cham- pagne Photo,” has become one of the most famous photographs of all time.


Decline and Abandonment


Promontory Summit served as the interchange between the Central Pacif- ic and UP until the fall of 1869, when the junction was moved east to Ogden. Thereafter, Central Pacific (and after 1885, Southern Pacific) operated the tracks through Promontory. It was an expensive line to operate; trains often required helper locomotives between Blue Creek and Promontory due to the 2.2 per cent grade on the east rampart of the range, the steepest grade on the entire transcontinental route. In 1904 Southern Pacific completed a the 27-mile Lucin Cutoff across the


RIGHT: The No. 119 replica features Rogers canted cylinders emblazoned with the builder’s name, covered in brass. This cos- metic touch was surprisingly not uncommon for locomotives of the period. BELOW: The Jupiter and No. 119 replicas are housed overnight in this modern shop building con- structed in 1978-79. The locomotives are torn down each winter and refurbished in this shop. BOTTOM: Jupiter and No. 119 under steam at the Golden Spike National Historic Site, May 8, 2012.


44 MAY 2013 • RAILFAN.COM


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