American History Tellers: Transcontinental Railroad | The Golden Spike | Episode 4

Host: Lindsay Graham
Release Date: December 4, 2024
Network: Wondery

Introduction

In the fourth episode of the "Transcontinental Railroad" series, American History Tellers delves deep into the intense rivalry between the Union Pacific and Central Pacific railroads, culminating in the historic completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. This episode, titled "The Golden Spike," uncovers the engineering marvel, the human struggle, and the widespread corruption that shadowed this monumental achievement.

The Rivalry Intensifies

January 1869, Washington D.C.

The episode opens with a tense meeting between Union Pacific President Oliver Ames and Central Pacific Vice President Collis Huntington at the Willard Hotel. Their primary contention revolves around selecting a meeting point for their respective railroad lines.

• Ames: Proposes meeting halfway west of the Promontory Mountains to alleviate the exhaustion of their workers.

• Huntington: Demands meeting at Utah's Weber Canyon, rejecting Ames's compromise, leading to a heated confrontation. (Timestamp: 05:30)

This dispute underscores the high stakes involved—control over valuable land, coal mines, and lucrative government bonds hinged on the chosen terminus.

Labor and Construction Challenges

Spring 1868 - Early 1869

Both railroads pushed their crews to unprecedented speeds, resulting in accidents, shoddy workmanship, and soaring costs. Central Pacific, led by Leland Stanford, focused on expanding into Nevada, while Union Pacific, under Grenville Dodge, leveraged the support of the Mormon community led by Brigham Young.

Key Points:

• Mormon Laborers: In June 1868, 5,000 Mormon workers began grading the roadbed in Echo Canyon and Weaver Canyon.

• Chinese Workers: Central Pacific employed Chinese immigrants known for their efficient use of nitroglycerin in tunnel blasting.

• Extreme Conditions: Both crews faced harsh weather, from scorching heat in Nevada's Forty Mile Desert to freezing temperatures threatening progress in January 1869.

A notable moment occurs when Ames confronts Brigham Young about unpaid wages, highlighting the human cost of this race. (Timestamp: 18:45)

Corruption and the Credit Mobilier Scandal

Behind the scenes, the episode exposes rampant corruption within both railroads, primarily through the Union Pacific's construction arm, Credit Mobilier.

Highlights:

• Financial Mismanagement: By January 1869, Union Pacific was $10 million in debt, while Credit Mobilier had paid out nearly $13 million in dividends despite accumulating expenses.

• Congressional Investigation: In January 1873, Charles Francis Adams Jr. exposed the corrupt practices in the North American Review, leading to a major scandal where Congressman Oakes Ames was implicated and censured by Congress. (Timestamp: 35:20)

• Central Pacific's Secrecy: Unlike Credit Mobilier, Central Pacific's corruption was less exposed, with their records largely destroyed and the Big Four evading substantial consequences.

The Final Push and the Golden Spike

April - May 1869

As both companies neared completion, the competition reached its peak. Central Pacific aimed to lay an unprecedented 10 miles of track in a single day, a feat they successfully achieved on April 28, 1869, setting a record that highlighted their determination and organizational prowess.

Promontory Summit Assembly:

On May 10, 1869, leaders and spectators gathered at Promontory Summit to witness the completion. The driving of the golden spike symbolized the unification of America's rail network, facilitating faster travel and economic growth.

• Golden Spike Ceremony: The final spike was inscribed with the message, "May God continue the unity of our country as this railroad united the two great oceans." A telegraph wire connected to the spike broadcasted the event nationwide.

• Notable Incident: Leland Stanford attempted to drive the spike but missed, striking only the rail. Despite this, the telegraph signal successfully marked the railroad's completion. (Timestamp: 55:10)

Aftermath and Legacy

The completion of the Transcontinental Railroad transformed America's economy, enabling the swift movement of goods and people across the continent. However, the episode does not shy away from the darker aspects:

• Environmental and Human Cost: The construction led to the displacement of Plains Indians, the near-eradication of buffalo herds, and the exploitation of Chinese and Mormon laborers.

• Long-Term Corruption: The Credit Mobilier scandal eroded public trust in government and highlighted the pervasive influence of corporate greed.

• Cultural Impact: The railroad fostered a continent-wide culture by facilitating the exchange of ideas, mail, and innovations, but it also cemented inequities and environmental degradation.

Legacy Quote:

"The transcontinental railroad was a staggering achievement of engineering and a testament to American grit and ingenuity. It conquered time and space, united a nation, and opened vast new markets. But it also unleashed unprecedented corporate and political graft and left a trail of environmental and human destruction in its wake."
— Lindsay Graham (Timestamp: 1:05:30)

Conclusion

Episode four of "Transcontinental Railroad" offers a comprehensive exploration of one of America's greatest engineering feats, balancing triumph with tragedy. It highlights the immense efforts and sacrifices made, the profound impact on the nation's development, and the enduring lessons about ambition, corruption, and the human spirit.

What's Next

In the forthcoming episode, Lindsay Graham will engage with Sue Lee, a historian and former Executive Director of the Chinese Historical Society of America, to shed light on the experiences of Chinese railroad workers. Additionally, a descendant of one such worker will share personal narratives, further enriching the story of the Transcontinental Railroad.

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This summary is based on the transcript of "Transcontinental Railroad | The Golden Spike | 4" from American History Tellers by Wondery.