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Top 100 – 1997

Top 100

Honorees 1996 1997 2011 (?) 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 … [Read more...] about Top 100

Top 100

Irish America's Top 100 recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding Irish-Americans from all walks of life -- individuals whose contributions extend to arts and entertainment, philanthropy, medicine, politics, care-giving, and community action. 1997 Honorees … [Read more...] about Top 100

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May 10, 1869

The Transcontinental Railroad was completed. The first spikes were driven in 1863 during the Civil War, and over the following 6 year period, over 2,000 miles of track was laid entirely by hand over rugged terrain including the Sierra Nevada mountains. The Central Pacific Company built East from Sacramento, while the Union Pacific built West from Omaha, Nebraska. Both teams tried to beat the other’s record for track laying. The Central Pacific concocted a plan to lay 10 miles in a day. Eight Irish tracklayers put down 3,520 rails, while other workers laid 25,800 ties and drove 28,160 spikes in a single day. On May 10, 1869, at Promontory Summit, Utah, a golden spike was hammered into the final tie.

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