1914 Golden Spike Marker Placed Monday, September 15

Spokane will commemorate the 111th anniversary of the golden spike ceremony on September 15, 2025, at 1 p. m. The event will take place along the Centennial Trail under the Monroe Street Bridge. The Jonas Babcock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will place the marker, funded through a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation, in collaboration with the Spokane Historic Preservation Office.

This ceremony acknowledges the completion of the Ayer-Cutoff railroad link, which significantly reduced travel time to the west coast and connected Spokane to a broader railroad network. The completion of the railroad coincided with the opening of Spokane's Union Station, enhancing the city's role as a major railroad hub. Robert E. Strahorn championed this development, securing investments that solidified Spokane's position in the railroad industry. The golden spike represents a critical moment in Spokane's transportation history.

This gathering serves to educate the community about the railroad's lasting impact on the region.