Transcontinental Railroad and Its Impact

William Gilpin's quote emphasizes the role of railways in uniting the nation, suggesting they are more influential than laws, popular consent, or political constitutions.

In the spring of 1869, the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads competed intensely to lay track across Northern Utah.
Rival crews aimed to cover as much ground as possible to maximize earnings, setting records in railroad construction.
Track-laying pace: five miles, then six, then seven, and then 10 miles in a single day.
The government intervened due to the chaotic race, selecting Promontory Summit (56 miles west of Ogden) as the meeting point.

The completion ceremony occurred on May 10, 1869.
A telegrapher prepared to signal the driving of the final spike to both coasts.
Communication protocol: "Keep quiet. When the last spike is driven… we will say done."
Four ceremonial spikes were used: two gold, one silver, and one a blend of gold, silver, and iron.
These spikes were gently tapped into place with a silver maul.
A final, ordinary spike wired to the telegrapher's key would be hammered in to complete the connection.
Prayer was offered, acknowledging divine guidance in the construction of the railroad.

Leland Stanford of the Central Pacific was meant to drive the final spike.
Stanford missed the spike on his first swing, but the telegrapher closed the circuit regardless.
The message "Done" was telegraphed across the country.
Celebrations erupted across the nation:
- Washington: Cheers and a dropping illuminated ball.
- Philadelphia: The Liberty Bell was rung cautiously.
- San Francisco: A banner proclaimed "California annexes The United States."

The railroad conquered the vast distances of the West, reducing travel time from months to days.
It fostered a sense of national unity and consciousness.
The railroad represented technological progress and transformed the West.
The completion symbolized the coming of the machine age.

Brigham Young led the Mormon people to Utah seeking sanctuary.
The Transcontinental Railroad brought new settlers to Utah, challenging Mormon authority and the practice of polygamy.
Mormons had conflicting views on the railroad:
- Recognized its importance for economic growth.
- Feared its impact on their isolation and way of life.
The railroad opened Utah to the outside world, affecting the community's confidence.

In 1870, 5,000 Mormon women protested against criticism of polygamy at the Salt Lake Tabernacle.
They argued that polygamy offered women more freedom, time for self-improvement, and a stronger connection to God.
Emmeline Wells, a key speaker, was a determined woman who had experienced hardship early in life.
She became the seventh wife of Daniel Wells, the mayor of Salt Lake City.
Wells emphasized the sisterhood and independence of women in polygamous relationships.

Wells was the editor of The Woman's Exponent, a Mormon newspaper for women.
She advocated for women's right to vote, challenging the denial of suffrage based on gender.
Wells found an ally in Brigham Young, who believed granting Mormon women the vote would strengthen his control over Utah.
On February 12, 1870, the Utah territorial legislature granted women the right to vote.
Wells later joined the national suffrage movement, advocating for women's rights across the United States.
She also defended the right to practice plural marriage.
Wells believed women could find happiness and fulfillment independently of men.