I ran across an article which I don't know if most are aware of "all" the articals (items) which were used in this Historical event. Most of which I have ever see published. Although there was a documentary of the event of this track connection.
We always hear about the "hammering in" of the Golder Spike, but not much if any thing about the items which were used. Let me explain.
Although the "spike driver' was of a common manufacture, it is part of that "historical event, but no article of which I have ever seen indicating its present location or ownership.
Naturally the Golder Spike is the "ultimate" conclusion of the event. But, there were "2" Golden Spikes, both of which were manufactured in, and was presented by the State of Utah. There has been some documentation of them, indicating their present location and/or ownership, but I don't remember the results of that documentation. However,, it must be in some website.
With that said, there were also "2" other spikes, which were made of Silver. "1" was presented by the State of AZ, and the other from the State of NV. The mentioned previous documentation of the Golden Spike, did not mention these Silver Spikes, of which again, I don't know of their location or ownership.
Now we come to the "sleeper", which holds the track to the "tie". Loss of memory, as I don't remember its metal consistence. But I do know that there also was not any mention of this in the said documentary.
Lastly, the "tie" was made from California Laurel. I don't know the properties of "hardness", but is probably of a "hard wood" consistence.
To give an ending to the information which the article I read. Although the regular spikes, sleeper, and tie was removed, for a couple of months after the "joining", such replacement spikes, sleeper, and the tie were removed (stolen) a few times. There was some investigation made, and found that the "tie" which was stolen, had been cut up into pieces, and sold as souveniers. Nothing was mentioned as to the result of what had happened to the spikes and sleeper.
I believed that it is a article of trivia information, and believe others might find it of interest.
Excuse the sentence construction and spelling being incorrect at times.
>>>>>>>Note added Aug 3rd, as I found this information in a later article. I thought it a point of interest, and to realize that I was unknown aware of it as well.
Most people know about the "Golden Spike"
However, most do not know that there was an inscribed "prayer":
May God continue the unity of our Country
As the railroad unites the two great Oceans of the World.
