How long did it take to build the first railway line across the American continent?

Several railway lines were built in Eastern America since 1840; by the year 1860, these lines reached up to River Mississippi. A plan to build a rail connection with the faraway western coast of America was drawn up. Two railway companies jointly started the construction work: the central Pacific Railroad started work in 1863 in California, and the Union Pacific Railroad the work in 1865 in the east of the Rock Mountains. On may 10,1869, both the Stretches met at the salt Lake city. Here, the construction of the 5300 km long connection was hugely celebrated.