First through train on Canadian Pacific Railway reaches Pacific

On August 12, 1883, the Canadian Pacific Railway operated its inaugural through passenger train from Montreal to Port Moody on the Pacific coast. Led by president William Cornelius Van Horne, this achievement overcame immense Rocky Mountain engineering hurdles including tunnels and trestles. It symbolized Canada's national unity post-Confederation and spurred western settlement. The line used steam locomotives like the 4-4-0 type initially. Its lasting impact includes forming the backbone of Canada's rail system and enabling economic growth through resource transport.