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 plaque unveiling at 1 p. m. near the Monroe Street Bridge. The marker, obtained by the Jonas Babcock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution through a grant, recognizes the completion of the Ayer-Cutoff railroad link. This 105-mile railroad section significantly reduced travel time to the west coast, connecting Spokane with previously inaccessible regions.
The event will take place along the Centennial Trail in Kendall Yards, in cooperation with the Spokane Historic Preservation Office. The original 1914 ceremony celebrated Spokane's emergence as a crucial railroad hub in the American West, coinciding with the opening of the Union Station train depot. Union Station provided essential passenger services before its demolition for Expo '74. Robert E. Strahorn played a pivotal role in this development, securing investment and confirming Spokane's railroad significance.
The gathering aims to honor both the historical achievement and its ongoing impact on the community.