1914 Golden Spike Marker Placed Monday, September 15

Spokane community members will gather on September 15, 2025, to honor the 111th anniversary of the golden spike ceremony that celebrated the completion of the Ayer-Cutoff railroad link. The event will feature the placement of a memorial plaque, recognizing the milestone's significance in Spokane's history. The golden spike, driven into the final railroad tie in 1914, marked a crucial development that connected Spokane to a vast railroad system. The Jonas Babcock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, with funding from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, coordinated the plaque's installation in partnership with the Spokane Historic Preservation Office.

This railroad link significantly reduced travel time to the west coast, enhancing accessibility for Spokanites. The Union Station train depot also opened on that historic day, providing essential passenger services until its demolition for Expo '74. Robert E. Strahorn played a vital role in securing investments for Spokane's railroad infrastructure, confirming its status as a key railroad hub. The upcoming ceremony underscores the lasting impact of this historic achievement on Spokane's development and connectivity.