Golden Spike Letterbox
Promontory, Utah

Placed 10/1/2000
(Utah's first letterbox)

(These clues were updated in June 2006, due to changes in the trail layout. Many thanks to A-Bear, CW Sun Seeker, and Boxer Lover for their assistance with the new clues!)

[IMAGE]

The Golden Spike National Historic Site commemorates the completion of the transcontinental railroad. When visiting the area, don't miss the Big Fill Hiking Trail. You'll get a first-hand feel for the magnitude of labor required to construct a railroad across this rugged land.

LETTERBOX CLUES:  

Step One - Fill in the blanks:

  1. The transcontinental railroad was completed on May ___ of 1869.
  2. The replica steam locomotives housed at the Golden Spike National Historic Site are named "Jupiter" and "No. _____".
  3. The "Big Trestle" was constructed by the ___________   ___________ Railroad.
  4. The "Big Trestle" was 400 feet long and ____ feet high.
  5. The "Big Fill" spans 500 feet and is ____ feet deep.
  6. In the spring of 1888, the "Orange Special" wreck occurred while a fruit train was speeding down the treacherously steep _______ Promontory Hill.
  7. Several cars of the "Orange Special" jumped the track and rolled down the _______ side of the embankment, spilling tons of bruised oranges all along the hillside.
  8. Subtract answer #4 from answer #2: _______
  9. Add answer #1 to answer #5: _______



Step Two - The Clues:

The letterbox is located along the (insert answer #3) grade on the Big Fill Trail. Locate the large rock cut that is in between the crossover and the cave. At the (insert answer #6) end of the cut, find paleface on the (insert answer #7) side of the grade. Look for a chip off the old block just (insert answer #8) steps away at (insert answer #9) degrees.

 

— Der Mad Stamper

Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.