1914 Golden Spike Marker Placed Monday, September 15

Spokane will commemorate the 111th anniversary of the Ayer-Cutoff railroad link's completion with a plaque ceremony on September 15, 2025. The event will be held at 1 p. m. along the Centennial Trail under the Monroe Street Bridge, organized by the Jonas Babcock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This pivotal railroad segment, finished in 1914, dramatically shortened travel times to the West Coast and integrated Spokane into a larger rail system.

On that historic day, Spokane's Union Station also opened, marking a significant advancement in passenger rail services. The golden spike ceremony symbolized Spokane's rise as a crucial railroad hub in the American West. Robert E. Strahorn, a key figure in Spokane's railroad development, secured investments that reinforced this status. The memorial plaque, funded by a grant from the William G.

Pomeroy Foundation, aims to celebrate and preserve this legacy in cooperation with the Spokane Historic Preservation Office. This event highlights the enduring significance of the railroad in shaping Spokane's economic and social landscape.