1914 Golden Spike Marker Placed Monday, September 15
Spokane will honor the 111th anniversary of the golden spike ceremony on September 15, 2025, marking the completion of the Ayer-Cutoff railroad. A gathering will occur at 1 p. m. along the Centennial Trail, under the Monroe Street Bridge, where a memorial plaque will be placed. The Jonas Babcock Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution secured the plaque through a grant from the William G.
Pomeroy Foundation. The Ayer-Cutoff, a 105-mile section of railroad, significantly reduced travel time to the West Coast and connected Spokane to an extensive railroad network. Local railroad advocate Robert E. Strahorn was instrumental in promoting this development, which solidified Spokane's status as a key railroad hub in the American West. The event will also commemorate the opening of Spokane's Union Station, which provided passenger services before its demolition for Expo '74.
This memorial serves to remind the community of the historical significance of the railroad in shaping Spokane's growth and accessibility. Attendees will reflect on the lasting impact of this achievement on the region's transportation infrastructure.