The Last Spike

On 14 Jun 2012 the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau, Quebec, acquired the silver Last Spike that symbolizes the 1885 completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the uniting of the country from sea to sea. This historic artifact was donated to the Canadian Museum of Civilization by the heirs of William Van Horne, the legendary railway executive who led the CPR construction project. The donation was unveiled today at the Canadian Pacific Railway Pavilion in Calgary.

This silver ceremonial spike was to be carried west in 1885 by the Governor General, Lord Lansdowne. He was supposed to hammer it into the track during the now-famous Last Spike ceremony at Craigellachie, British Columbia. Unfortunately, Lord Lansdowne, with the spike in his possession, was unable to make it to the ceremony. He later had the spike mounted on a stone base and sent as a gift to Van Horne.

Held privately by the family for the past 125 years, the Last Spike will be on display at the Museum of Civilization following its premiere in Calgary....seguir leyendo