09/05/2026
A van Horne tidbit
It's Throwback Thursday! Did you know that Sir William Van Horne was the general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway?
Born in Joliet, Illinois, Van Horne began working for the Illinois Central Railway at just 14 years old. He quickly advanced to the position of telegraph officer, and in 1881, he came to Canada as general manager of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Van Horne was given 10 years to complete the railway project, but was able to complete it in just four and a half years. In 1885, the final spike was driven in Craigellachie, British Columbia, marking the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
In this photo, Sir William Van Horne can be seen standing beside Donald Smith, who is driving the last spike.
Photo credit: Alexander Ross / Library and Archives Canada / C-003693