1914 Golden Spike Marker Placed Monday, September 15

Spokane community members will gather on September 15, 2025, to place a memorial plaque commemorating the 111th anniversary of the golden spike ceremony that marked the completion of the Ayer-Cutoff railroad link. The event is scheduled for 1 p. m. along the Centennial Trail under the Monroe Street Bridge. The Ayer-Cutoff, a 105-mile section of railroad, significantly reduced travel times to the west coast and connected Spokane to a broader railroad network.

The plaque was secured by the Jonas Babcock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution through a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. Cooperation from the Spokane Historic Preservation Office facilitated the placement of the marker on public land managed by the City of Spokane Parks & Recreation. On the same day in 1914, Spokane's Union Station opened, further enhancing the city’s role as a railroad hub. Robert E.

Strahorn, a key figure in Spokane's railroad development, championed the Ayer-Cutoff, which attracted significant investments. This commemorative event underscores the lasting impact of railroad expansion on Spokane's growth and connectivity.