Canada - On the November 7th Anniversary of the driving of the Last Spike, the Federal Government of Canada made that day of the year National Railway Day.
 
The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, announced on 7 Nov 2010 that the Government of Canada officially recognizes November 7th as National Railway Day.
 
7 Nov 1885 was the day the Last Spike was driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway at Craigellachie, British Columbia, marking the completion of Canada's first transcontinental railway.
 
"The construction of the transcontinental railway united a collection of provinces into a nation. It is fitting that this great national project, immortalized for many years in novels, poetry, and song, should be recognized with a special day that will encourage Canadians to reflect on the importance of nation building, and to remember those who suffered through adverse conditions to build this railroad," said Minister Moore.
 
The Canadian Pacific Railway Company was founded on 17 Feb 1881.
 
The first transcontinental train left Montreal, Quebec, and Toronto, Ontario, for Port Moody, British Columbia, on 28 Jun 1886.
 
Author unknown.