The Golden Spike: Connecting California to the Nation — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1.3-5
D2.HIS.2.3-5
D2.HIS.14.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

About This Reader

This engaging U.S. history reading passage teaches students about the Golden Spike and how the first transcontinental railroad connected California to the rest of the nation. Students will learn about the Central Pacific and Union Pacific Railroads, the workers who built them, and the impact this achievement had on American growth and unity in the late 1800s. The passage is structured with clear, simple language for developing readers and includes a glossary, timeline, Spanish translation, and historical activities. Aligned with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, this resource encourages students to explore cause and effect, analyze historical events, and build vocabulary. Includes a relevant public domain image, read aloud audio, and multiple activities for a comprehensive learning experience.

CONTENT PREVIEW

[Driving of the Golden Spike at Promontory Pt., Utah - May 10, 1869].
Source: Library of Congress

The Golden Spike was a special event in U.S. history. On May 10, 1869, two railroad lines met at Promontory Summit, Utah. This moment joined the Central Pacific Railroad from California with the Union Pacific Railroad from the East. Their meeting created the first transcontinental railroad. For the first time, people could travel by train all the way across the country.

Building the railroad was a huge job. Thousands of workers from different backgrounds helped. Many workers came from China and Ireland. They worked in harsh weather and rough mountains. Some days, they laid more than ten miles of track. Workers used hammers, shovels, and dynamite to break through rocks and lay rails. Leaders like Leland Stanford helped guide the project. He was president of the Central Pacific Railroad.

When the railroads met, a golden spike was used to connect the final rails. This golden spike became a symbol of unity and progress. During the ceremony, Leland Stanford said, “The Pacific Railroad is completed.” People cheered, and news spread across the nation. The telegraph sent out the message: “Done!”

The new railroad changed America. Goods and people could move quickly from coast to coast. Farmers could send crops to new cities. Towns and businesses grew along the tracks. The railroad helped the United States grow stronger and more connected. It also brought new challenges. Native American lands were changed, and many families had to move. Still, many saw the railroad as a great achievement for the country.

The Golden Spike marked the start of a new era. It showed what people could do when they worked together. The railroad connected different parts of America and helped shape the nation we know today.

Interesting Fact: The original golden spike is now kept at Stanford University in California.

What was the Golden Spike?

A symbol marking the railroad's completionA type of trainA mountain in UtahA city in California

Where did the railroads meet?

Promontory Summit, UtahSacramento, CaliforniaOmaha, NebraskaDenver, Colorado

Who was Leland Stanford?

President of Central Pacific RailroadA train engineerA farmerA Native American leader

Why was the railroad important for America?

It connected the countryIt made food taste betterIt stopped all warsIt lowered mountains

How did workers build through mountains?

With dynamite and toolsWith only horsesBy flying overWith magic

What does 'unity' mean in this passage?