Canadian Pacific Railway Reaches Pacific

On May 22, 1885, Donald Smith drove the last spike at Craigellachie, British Columbia, finishing the Canadian Pacific Railway after five years of construction through the Rockies. The project overcame immense engineering challenges including tunnels and trestles. It connected eastern Canada to the Pacific coast, facilitating trade, settlement, and national unity. The railway used 4-4-0 locomotives initially and played a vital role in transporting troops during later conflicts.