Industrialist. He is considered one of the United States' premier railroad builder. He began his career in the industry working as a waterboy on the Mohawk and Hudson, one of the earliest rail lines. He was actively involved in the construction of numerous railroads, the largest being the Union Pacific, which came under his auspices in 1865 through a stock purchase. Dillion was instrumental in construction of the first transcontinental railroad culminating in the laying of the golden spike at Promontory Point, Utah. The spikes, two gold and two silver were not left in the rail bed but removed and given to prominent people involved in the construction of the line. Sidney Dillion kept his spike on his desk until his death. He spent the rest of his life in the capacity of financier, becoming involved with numerous ventures as well as serving on the board of directors of the Western Union Telegraph Company. Several towns along the Union Pacific right of way started as construction camps remain today. Dillon, Montana and Sidney, Nebraska were named for him.
Industrialist. He is considered one of the United States' premier railroad builder. He began his career in the industry working as a waterboy on the Mohawk and Hudson, one of the earliest rail lines. He was actively involved in the construction of numerous railroads, the largest being the Union Pacific, which came under his auspices in 1865 through a stock purchase. Dillion was instrumental in construction of the first transcontinental railroad culminating in the laying of the golden spike at Promontory Point, Utah. The spikes, two gold and two silver were not left in the rail bed but removed and given to prominent people involved in the construction of the line. Sidney Dillion kept his spike on his desk until his death. He spent the rest of his life in the capacity of financier, becoming involved with numerous ventures as well as serving on the board of directors of the Western Union Telegraph Company. Several towns along the Union Pacific right of way started as construction camps remain today. Dillon, Montana and Sidney, Nebraska were named for him.
Bio by: Paul S.
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