First through train on Canadian Pacific Railway

June 23, 1885, saw the Canadian Pacific Railway operate its inaugural through passenger service from Montreal to Port Moody, British Columbia, completing the dream of a coast-to-coast rail link. Construction had overcome immense challenges including the Rocky Mountains and vast prairies, using thousands of laborers and innovative snowsheds for winter operations. Key figures like William Cornelius Van Horne oversaw the project, which used powerful 4-4-0 American-type locomotives for the mountain grades. This event unified Canada politically and economically, enabling rapid settlement and resource export. The service carried notable passengers including politicians and set standards for luxury with early dining cars, influencing global transcontinental railroading.