History
The Canadian Pacific Railway
The Canadian Pacific Railway was a transcontinental railway completed in 1885. It physically united the young country and helped bring British Columbia into Confederation.
Key facts
- ◆ The railway was completed in 1885, linking Canada from coast to coast.
- ◆ British Columbia joined Confederation in 1871 on the promise of a railway.
- ◆ Many Chinese labourers helped build the railway through difficult terrain.
- ◆ It opened the West to settlement and trade.