Hell on Wheels and the Golden Spike

[Frulk_imp]

I rarely watch TV, let alone a seasonal show. One of the shows I did make an exception for was "Hell on Wheels" (a chronological depiction of the building of the Trans Continental Railroad). I'm a sucker for a good western, especially one were historic lever actions figure prominently. An added attraction for me is the original spur of the TCRR runs less than a mile from my house and the Golden Spike historical site at Promontory Point is approx. 60 miles or so away from my front door. I've been following the protagonist Cullen Bohannon for over half a decade now on this journey and it all comes to an end tonight. I'll be sitting in my recliner with a good bourbon when the show kicks off.

Plan for tomorrow is to ride the CB 1100 with my daughter and her boyfriend on their bikes out to Promontory Point and visit the site where the final spike was driven. Will add a sense of finality to a show I really became attached to. Gonna be a scorcher out there with no clouds in sight in what is basically elevated desert and some salt flats. Will post up a pic when I get back.

[the Ferret]

See..that's how you tie things together lol?

Very cool. Looking forward to the pic. Don't suppose the golden spike is still there?

[Ulvetanna_imp]

overall i did like that series

i hope some of our millenials actually realize that the railroad was also built by mormons and the irish and how impossibly difficult that work was but we got her done

panama canal too

[Cormanus]

Was the Panama Canal built by Mormons and Irishmen? Many, many of them died as I recall.

[LongRanger_imp]

Lots of Chinese labor involved with building the western section over the Sierra Nevada. The TCRR is a fascinating piece of our history and one that allowed western expansion to charge forward. I didn't realize until later that my Jr. High School in the Bay Area was named in honor of one of the financiers and builders (William Crocker). The original Union Pacific train depot in Cheyenne, WY, about 100 miles from here, does a great job commemorating the TCRR. Lots of history and artifacts there.

[4 Paws_imp]

Many fascinating stories woven throughout the history of our country. Helps us to understand we really are a melting pot of cultures and races. Mongrels rule!

So much good riding out west! Sounds like you have a decent plan for a family outing.

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Was the Panama Canal built by Mormons and Irishmen? Many, many of them died as I recall.

panama canal was first attempted by the french who were unsuccessful

the control of malaria and other vector borne diseases came about as a direct result of the project

workers came from all over the world but most were local

many died building and achieving over the course of history

great pyramids
great wall of china
brooklyn bridge
golden gate bridge

and so on
first moon landing

[the Ferret]

we need a motorcycle picture to keep this relevant.

[LongRanger_imp]

You didn't say which motorcycle...

[url=http://s1285.photobucket.com/user/ericlevy/media/007-1_zps966cd790.jpg.html]

[the Ferret]

lol good enough