The Central Pacific Railway was a key part of the first transcontinental railroad in the United States, completed in 1869. It began construction in Sacramento, California, and extended eastward, connecting with the Union Pacific Railroad at Promontory Summit, Utah. This railway played a crucial role in facilitating trade and travel across the country. The Central Pacific Railway was notable for its use of Chinese laborers, who made up a significant portion of the workforce. They faced challenging conditions while building the railway through the Sierra Nevada mountains. The completion of the railway greatly impacted the economy and settlement patterns in the American West.