When the U.S. government named two companies to build a transcontinental railroad in 1862, no meeting point was set. Enormous financial rewards -- paid out per mile of completed track -- propelled both sides into a grueling seven-year race across daunting terrain.

The Central Pacific built eastward from Sacramento, California. The Union Pacific built westward from Council Bluffs, Iowa, making its headquarters across the Missouri River in Omaha, Nebraska. Where would the two meet?

Track the railroad's construction in this interactive map.

The Race to Utah! (230k)
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