The Last Spike

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

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.