Golden Spike Cultural Landscape Report

This Cultural Landscape Report represents the completion of the cultural landscape inventory process for Golden Spike National Historic Site — a site that celebrates the completion of the Pacific Railroad, one of our nation's most important and far-reaching events. Level I of the Cultural Landscape Inventory identified the existence of cultural landscape values at the NHS. Level II of the inventory process identified specific landscape characteristics and associated features that contribute to the eligibility of the site. An amendment to the National Register of Historic Places registration form, covering the cultural landscape values associated with the site, was prepared in response to the completion of the Level II inventory. This Cultural Landscape Report thoroughly describes the landscape characteristics and features that contribute to the park, addresses their integrity and significance, places them in their historic context, and provides recommendations for their long-term preservation and treatment.

There are unique values associated with linear cultural resources that render them difficult to protect and manage — particularly linear landscapes with extensive viewsheds. Most times, park service management authority ends at the federal property boundary, which may or may not encompass all of the resources and landscape values that contribute to the significance of particular historical properties. At Golden Spike National Historic Site it was important to identify and protect the most critical landscape features, the archaeological resources related directly to the history of the construction and operation of the nation's first transcontinental railroad. These resources depict all stages of the construction process, as well as aspects of the living and working conditions of the people who accomplished the construction. In addition, the isolated and still largely undeveloped character of the Promontory Mountains provides a historical sense of place and helps to illustrate the environmental and social context within which the railroad was constructed and operated. As a planning document, the Cultural Landscape Report considers both natural and cultural resources within their historical framework, documents their value, and provides recommendations for effective preservation management.

It is a pleasure to make this information about the resources at Golden Spike National Historic Site available.

Karen P. Wade
Regional Director
Intermountain Region