Union Pacific Railroad Company
UP laid far more miles of track, because they encountered relatively level terrain in Nebraska and Wyoming. By early 1869, UP was racing toward Promontory.
Accomplishments
Fast, but Shoddy, Construction
UP crews laid track at the rapid pace of three or four miles a day. However, much of this work had to be immediately repaired or replaced.
1,000 Mile Tree
(Photo, Utah State History)
Dale Creek Bridge
(Photo, Utah State History)
Green River Bridge
"View of Union Pacific Railroad bridge construction at Green River (Sweetwater County), Wyoming. Men pose by temporary tracks, stone blocks, pylons, the Green River, a water tank, and a locomotive. Citadel Rock is dusted with snow."
(Photo and caption, Denver Public Library, Z-5941).
(Photo and caption, Denver Public Library, Z-5941).
People of UP
Thomas C. Durant
Thomas Durant was vice-president, promoter, and general manager of UP.
(Photo, PBS)
Grenville M. Dodge
Grenville Dodge was Chief Engineer of UP. Author Stephen Ambrose called the Civil War veteran "America's greatest railroad-builder" and said that he "rightly gets most of the credit for the building of the UP." (Photo, Commander in Chief Biographies).
Construction Timeline
(Map, Union Pacific Railroad Company)
Springwell / Buddy's Detour / Francis Xavier Kennedy / Kathleen's Favourite Jig. Cape Breton Tradition.
Buddy MacMaster. 2003.
Copyright © Rounder Records Corp.
All rights reserved. Used with permission.
Buddy MacMaster. 2003.
Copyright © Rounder Records Corp.
All rights reserved. Used with permission.