1883
143 years ago
OpeningCanada
First Train on Canadian Pacific Railway's Western Division
Canadian Pacific Railway
Winnipeg
August 4, 1883
Summary
The Canadian Pacific Railway ran its first through train across the western prairies, advancing transcontinental ambitions.
Full Story
On August 4, 1883, the Canadian Pacific Railway operated its inaugural passenger train from Winnipeg westward toward the Rockies. This event followed years of surveying and construction through challenging terrain, including the challenging Rogers Pass. Key figures included William Cornelius Van Horne, who pushed aggressive timelines. The service connected eastern Canada to British Columbia, fulfilling a confederation promise and spurring settlement and resource extraction across the dominion.
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Quick Facts
- Date
- August 4, 1883
- Event Type
- Opening
- Country
- Canada
- Years Ago
- 143
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