1884
142 years ago
ConstructionCanada
Canadian Pacific Railway Reaches Pacific
Canadian Pacific Railway
Craigellachie
August 4, 1884
Summary
The last spike was driven at Craigellachie, completing Canada's first transcontinental railway.
Full Story
On August 4, 1884, the Canadian Pacific Railway drove the last spike at Craigellachie, British Columbia, finishing the 4,600 km transcontinental line from Montreal to Vancouver. Led by Donald Smith and William Van Horne, the project overcame Rocky Mountain passes and financial crises, using thousands of laborers including Chinese workers. This connected eastern Canada to the Pacific, enabling national unity, resource transport, and settlement, while boosting economic growth in the young dominion.
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Quick Facts
- Date
- August 4, 1884
- Event Type
- Construction
- Country
- Canada
- Years Ago
- 142
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