Did Elvis Attend the Centennial Celebration in 1969?

It is not clear how this rumor was started, but the absolute lack of evidence in the historical record tells us The King was not present for the centennial celebration. A visit from such a popular individual would have been in every newspaper and anyone who could have would have taken pictures. However, the people of Utah are aware that the annual celebration of the Golden Spike is a unique opportunity and often invite notable guests to attend.

The King of Rock and Roll did not grace the centennial Golden Spike celebration, but The Duke of Western filmdom did. John Wayne rode the Golden Spike Centennial Limited into Salt Lake City and was present at Promontory Summit on May 10. It seems only fitting that the cowboy star was present for this celebration of westward migration.