1914 Golden Spike Marker Placed Monday, September 15

Spokane will commemorate the 111th anniversary of the “Golden Spike” ceremony on September 15, 2025, with a memorial plaque installation beneath the Monroe Street Bridge. The original golden spike, driven on September 15, 1914, marked the completion of the Ayer-Cutoff railroad link, which significantly reduced travel time to the West Coast by several hours. This milestone connected Spokane to a vast railroad network previously inaccessible, enhancing its status as a critical railroad hub in the region. The memorial plaque is facilitated by the Jonas Babcock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, with support from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and the Spokane Historic Preservation Office.

Community members will gather at 1 p. m. along the Centennial Trail to honor this historical achievement and its lasting impact on Spokane. The Ayer-Cutoff, a 105-mile stretch of railroad, was instrumental in securing significant investment in the area. Robert E.

Strahorn, a prominent advocate for railroad development, played a key role in this transformation. Spokane’s Union Station opened on the same day as the golden spike ceremony, further solidifying the city’s importance in transportation.