Near Site, Southern Pacific Ceremony of Silver Spike
Marked completion of Southern Pacific Railway. Eastern part originated in Texas in 1850s; then was rechartered 1870 by Texas Legislature as Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Hwy., designed to join Houston and San Antonio to the Rio Grande. T. W. Pierce of Boston gained control in 1874. Meantime, C. P. Huntington of California was building the Southern Pacific eastward; he wanted a Texas line to join his tracks, and reached agreement with Pierce. On Jan. 12, 1883, the two railroads met near the Pecos High Bridge, and were joined by a Silver Spike. (1967)
29.7660° N, 101.3862° W
Where to Find It
roadside rest area
Nearby Markers
- <0.1 mi S Site of Vinegarroon Langtry
- <0.1 mi N Pecos River High Bridge Del Rio
- 4.6 mi SE Railroad Bridges Over the Pecos Del Rio
- 4.6 mi SE Medal of Honor Fight, 1875 Comstock
- 4.6 mi SE The Pecos River in Literature and Folklore Langtry
- 10.5 mi W The Fitzsimmons-Maher Prizefight Langtry