So Gov. Gary Herbert, what is Utah going to do with the $1 million that the Union Pacific railroad announced Thursday that it is donating to the state?
“This is going to help us have a party and celebrate like it’s 1869,” he said, to mark the 150th anniversary of the May 10, 1869 completion of the transcontinental railroad at Promontory Summit — when literally the entire country cheered and rejoiced at the final telegraphic message.
Union Pacific matched the $1 million appropriated by the Legislature for upcoming celebrations. Officials outlined some highlights Thursday — including the return of the original golden spike, and a visit by the world’s largest steam engine.