Transcontinental Railroad By Pranav Gaddameedi Jan 1, 1838 The first railroad petition is sent to Washington John Plumbe sent petition to Washington, the first request for a transcontinental railroad. Mar 1, 1853 Engineers are sent to assess the most feasible route Jun 28, 1861 Theodore D. Judah named Chief Engineer. Jul 1, 1862 President Lincoln signed an Act allowing the construction Pacific Railroad Act Jul 2, 1862 Central Pacific and Union Pacific companies established Mar 1, 1865 Chinese begin to be employed Jul 10, 1865 The Union Pacific laid their first rail at Omaha Jun 26, 1866 Congress allows the Central Pacific to build east May 1, 1869 The Central Pacific reaches Promontory Point May 7, 1869 The Union Pacific track reaches Promontory Point. May 10, 1869 The last spike ceremony is held