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The Last Spike

The Last Spike

The Last Spike Overview

On January 30, 1905, near this site, workers drove the last spike that completed the railroad between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles.

This was the last “transcontinental” line to southern California and one of the last lines built to the Pacific Coast.

Category

Railroad

Marker Type

This marker has been reported as missing. Due to budget cuts, there is no time estimate for replacement.

Nevada Historical Marker Number

The Last Spike is Nevada Historical Marker #195.

Click here to view the full list of Nevada State Historical Markers.

County

Clark County, Nevada

GPS Coordinates

35.839769, -115.271795

Nevada Historical Marker Transcription

On January 30, 1905, near this site, workers drove the last spike that completed the railroad between Salt Lake City, Utah and Los Angeles, California. This was the last “transcontinental” line to southern California and one of the last lines built to the Pacific Coast. Although there was no formal celebration at the time of the last spike, those present gave some recognition to the event.

Las Vegas owes its existence to the railroad, then known as the San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad. Because the valley had a good supply of water, the railroad company platted the Las Vegas town site and established a division point there.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER No. 195

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD CO.

References Used

The Last Spike