My friend did some exploring and visited northern Utah and Nevada, including Promontory Point, Utah.
In 1869, the Union Pacific from the east and the Central Pacific from the west met here, ushering in a great period of western expansion. It was much easier moving west on the train, than on foot, horseback, or in the wagons and handcarts that had been the method of western movement up to that time.
The original Central Pacific railroad grade was bypassed by the Lucin Cutoff in 1904 because of its steep grades that required extra engines to pull heavily loaded trains. This old railroad route can be driven today by 4WD vehicles.
I plan to do this soon. Watch for more in 4Wheel Drive Magazine.