1914 Golden Spike Marker Placed Monday, September 15
Spokane will host a gathering on September 15, 2025, to honor the 111th anniversary of the golden spike ceremony that completed the Ayer-Cutoff railroad link. The event, scheduled for 1 p. m. along the Centennial Trail beneath the Monroe Street Bridge, will feature the placement of a memorial plaque. This plaque, obtained by the Jonas Babcock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, acknowledges the railroad's impact on the region.
The Ayer-Cutoff shortened travel times to the west coast and connected Spokane to an extensive railroad network. Robert E. Strahorn, a prominent local figure, championed this development, securing significant investments that bolstered Spokane's status as a railroad hub. The ceremony also marks the opening of Spokane’s Union Station on the same day in 1914, which provided essential passenger services. The Union Station was later demolished for Expo ’74, illustrating the ongoing evolution of Spokane's infrastructure.
This commemorative event reinforces the city's rich transportation history and its lasting significance in regional connectivity.