construction began in Omaha, Nebraska and Sacramento, California in 1863
received money, 30 year loan, and land from Congress for each mile of track built
Charles Crocker began from Sacramento, hired Chinese immigrants, built over rough terrain
Gen. Grenville M. Dodge began in Omaha, hired ex-soldiers and Irish immigrants, built over plains with some Indian confrontations
both met at Promontory Point, Utah on May 10, 1869