Medal Commemorating the Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, May 10, 1869

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Artifact Overview

Construction of the First Transcontinental Railroad, spanning 1,912 miles between Council Bluffs, Iowa, and Sacramento, California, remains one of American history's great technological triumphs. Celebrations were held across the country after its completion at Promontory Summit, Utah, on May 10, 1869. The U.S. Mint issued commemorative medals like this one featuring President Ulysses S. Grant.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Medallion (Medal)

Subject Date

10 May 1869

Creator Notes

Made by the Mint of the United States in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

38.309.774

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Susan Stebbins Stark.

Material

Bronze

Color

Bronze (Color)

Dimensions

Diameter: 1.75 in
Thickness: 0.125 undefined

Inscriptions

Obverse: PRESIDENCY OF / U.S. GRANT / THE OCEANS UNITED / BY RAILWAY / MAY 10, 1869. Reverse: EVERY MOUNTAIN SHALL BE MADE LOW / W. BARBER F. / MEDAL SERIES OF THE / U. S. MINT. / J. POLLOCK DIRECTOR.
Medal Commemorating the Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, May 10, 1869