1914 Golden Spike Marker Placed Monday, September 15

Spokane will commemorate the 111th anniversary of the 1914 “Golden Spike” railroad milestone on September 15, 2025. Community members will gather at 1 p. m. along the Centennial Trail under the Monroe Street Bridge to place a memorial plaque. The plaque, obtained by the Jonas Babcock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, was funded by the William G.

Pomeroy Foundation. The golden spike celebrated the completion of the Ayer-Cutoff, a critical 105-mile railroad link that significantly shortened travel times to the west coast. This event coincided with the opening of Spokane’s Union Station, further establishing the city as a key railroad hub in the American West. Robert E. Strahorn played a vital role in securing investments for Spokane's railroad development.

The Ayer-Cutoff connected Spokane to a broader railroad network previously inaccessible to its residents. The placement of the memorial plaque highlights the enduring significance of this historical achievement in shaping Spokane's transportation landscape.