On the 125th anniversary of the driving of the Last Spike on the Canadian Pacific Railway three "new" last spikes were driven at a ceremony in Craigellachie - 7 Nov 2010 Photographer unknown.

7 November 2012

Which is the true Last Spike?

Craigellachie British Columbia - The background photograph on this web site shows the men assembled at the driving of the Canadian Pacific Railway's Last Spike in Craigellachie on 7 Nov 1885.
 
One of the principal persons responsible for completion of the railway was then General Manager William Van Horne.
 
He spoke the now famous words:  ""All I can say is that the work has been done well in every way.
 
In actual fact the work was not "done" but was only just beginning.
 
Since that day in 1885 the railway has continued to build and improve over the years.
 
That's another long story with twists, turns, characters, and accomplishments en route.
 
But where does this leave us in regards to the history of the Last Spike today?
 
In fact, which is the true Last Spike that united Canada?
 
The Last Spike story has more twists and turns than a mystery movie as you will see if you take the time to read this page.
 
William Slim.