Canadian Pacific Opens Mountain Section

August 15, 1885, saw the Canadian Pacific Railway open its main line through the Selkirk Mountains in British Columbia. Engineers like Major Rogers conquered Rogers Pass with steep grades, snow sheds, and the Connaught Tunnel later. The 4-6-0 locomotives hauled transcontinental passenger trains, fulfilling the promise of a national railway. This connected Montreal to Vancouver, boosting trade and immigration. The project overcame avalanches and rockslides, influencing future mountain rail engineering worldwide. Enthusiasts admire the dramatic spiral tunnels and the role in Canadian Confederation.