1914 Golden Spike Marker Placed Monday, September 15

Spokane will mark the 111th anniversary of the golden spike ceremony with a memorial plaque unveiling on September 15, 2025. Community members will gather at 1 p. m. along the Centennial Trail under the Monroe Street Bridge to celebrate the completion of the Ayer-Cutoff railroad link. This critical connection reduced travel times to the west coast and integrated Spokane into a vast railroad system.

The Jonas Babcock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution obtained the marker with a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and in cooperation with the Spokane Historic Preservation Office. Robert E. Strahorn, a key figure in Spokane's railroad history, championed the Ayer-Cutoff, securing significant investment and establishing the city as a railroad hub. The unveiling will highlight the importance of this achievement for Spokane's development.

Union Station, which opened on the same day as the golden spike ceremony, served as a major transportation hub until its demolition for Expo '74. This memorial will recognize the lasting impact of the railroad on the community's growth and connectivity.