It is one of the most famous moments in the history of the American West. And one of the least understood. Promontory, previously viewed on public television, takes you on a journey back in time to the days when the nation struggled to build the transcontinental railroad. As construction armies raced from east and west, it soon became clear they would meet in the most unlikely spot in the nation: The Utah Territory, which was under the leadership of Brigham Young. But getting there wasn't easy with pride, greed and religion getting in the way. What happened next would change the face of Utah and the West forever.

A Rail Race
As the building of the transcontinental railroad got underway in the 1860s, not much thought was given to where the two railroads would meet. Union Pacific laid track westward from Omaha, Nebraska, and the Central Pacific Railroad moved east from Sacramento, California. What would happen when they both reached Utah Territory?

The Real Story
The meeting of the two rail lines in Promontory, Utah, was celebrated across America. But it wasn't all Golden Spikes and photo opportunities. Find out the real story behind the transcontinental railroad - a story of deception, mistrust, broken promises, religion, corruption, victory, failure and hard labor.