Last spike donated to museum
It was called the dream of a nation.
Visionaries such as Sir John A. Macdonald saw a transcontinental railway as a means of connecting the country from sea to sea.
An iconic piece of that history has now been donated to Canada’s national history museum.
The silver “last spike” symbolizing the 1885 completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway premiered in Calgary Thursday after being given to the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
Historians describe finishing the railway as pivotal to the country’s political and economic development.
“It’s the railroad that changes everything,” said David Morrison, director of archeology and history at the museum.
The Canadian Prairies opened to settlers, large-scale grain operation developed and towns and cities sprung up across the country.
“It brought civilization into the West for better or worse,” Morrison said.
The silver spike was set to mark the now-famous 1885 ceremony at Craigellachie, B.C.
It never made it, as Gov. Gen. Lord Lansdowne was delayed on his way West. Instead, an iron spike was pounded by CPR director Donald Smith.
Many Canadians have seen the famous photo of Smith, with his white beard and sporting a top hat, driving the last spike into place.
Meanwhile, Lansdowne returned to Ottawa, mounted the silver spike and sent it as a gift to CPR executive William Van Horne. It was kept in the Van Horne family’s possession until they reluctantly gave it up.
“It was hard, but it was the right thing to do,” said Sally Hannon, a descendent. “Everyone needs to know what made their country great.”
Hannon held back tears during an unveiling at the Canadian Pacific Railway Pavilion.
“This is a big moment for my family,” said the Toronto resident.