What is Canadian Pacific Railway?
The Canadian Pacific Railway was established in 1881. It is owned by Canadian Pacific Railway Limited. Known as CPR, Canadian Pacific Railway is one of Canada’s foremost corporations, with extensive rail networks across Canada and into the United States. It holds significant symbolic and practical importance for Canadians. It revolutionized travel and trade across Canada by enabling swift transportation of goods and people from east to west.
A Brief History of Canadian Pacific Railway
To secure its existence as a nation, Canada needed to connect the Atlantic to the Pacific. This required obtaining land in the Prairies, home to many First Nations. The federal government negotiated that through the so called Numbered Treaties (No. 1 to 7, 1871-1877), promising reserves, supplies, cash, tools, healthcare, education, and hunting rights to First Nations. The treaties remain controversial and have deeply affected their cultural, legal, and economic lives.
In 1878, Prime Minister John A. Macdonald pledged to finish the transcontinental railway, crucial for Canada’s unity and economic success. The railway faced many financial and labor shortages. Luckily, the government funded it and employed around 15,000 Chinese workers to complete the project. Many of the workers faced hazardous conditions and many died while working on the railway. They also experienced taxation barriers after the railway’s completion in 1885 (Chinese Head Tax in Canada).
CPR extended lines to North Dakota and established branches in the Prairie provinces, although some have since ceased operations. Beyond rail, CPR expanded into global shipping, hotels (like Chateau Lake Louise), mining, and even aviation (1942). It faced competition from the Canadian National Railway (CNR), but remains renowned as Canada’s pioneering rail connector.
Why was the Canadian Pacific Railway built?
The Canadian Pacific Railway was crucial in uniting Canada coast to coast after Confederation in 1867. It fulfilled a promise to connect British Columbia to the rest of Canada by 1889, marking a significant engineering accomplishment. Beyond rail, CPR had other important operations. CPR diversified its business, playing key roles in Canada’s wartime efforts, tourism, and immigration. It expanded into global shipping, airlines, hotels, telecommunications, and mining making communication throughout the provinces and throughout the world easier and faster.
What did building the transcontinental railway achieve?
The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) played a pivotal in uniting the nation and shaping its development. Before its completion in 1885, British Columbia was isolated from the rest of Canada, with travel easier and faster from Hong Kong than from Halifax. The CPR bridged this gap, making cross-country travel economical and convenient, essential for Canada’s growth as a nation.
CPR also achieved some other important goals:
- Job Creation: The railway created employment for thousands, contributing to Canada’s reputation and inspiring colonization.
- Transportation Backbone: Crucial in the 1800s, the CPR facilitated migration and the expansion of Western Canada.
- Military Advantage: During the Northwest Rebellion of 1885, the CPR enabled rapid troop deployment, significantly aiding government forces.
- Economic Driver: It facilitated the movement of settlers and goods between the Prairies and British Columbia, also boosting trade and immigration.
- Natural Resource Discovery: In 1886, CPR construction workers discovered natural gas in Alderson, Alberta, an important find during their search for water.
These aspects underscore the CPR’s vital role in Canada’s history, economy, and territorial integration, cementing its legacy as a cornerstone of national development.
When was it built?
The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway took a total of four years to finish. It began in 1881 and was completed in 1885, with the “Last Spike” driven at Craigellachie, BC. The first passenger train left Montreal on June 28, 1886, and reached Port Moody, BC, on July 4 of that year.
After completing the railway, CPR expanded by acquiring more railroads, including lines in the United States. It also ventured into maritime transportation, operating paddle wheelers, steamships on inland waterways, and a fleet for Pacific Ocean shipping.
Who built it?
The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) construction relied heavily on Chinese and European labor, funded by American and British investors. Chinese workers played a crucial role in tackling the challenging western sections of the railway, arriving by ship from China and California. Meanwhile, European workers started construction on the eastern section from the east coast.
The CPR was completed in four years, with notable contributions from key figures:
- John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister, led the decision to build the railway during his tenure with the Conservative (Tory) Party at the time of Confederation.
- Sandford Fleming served as a surveyor and chief engineer, overseeing the design and execution of the railway construction project.
How long is it?
The railway spans about 20,100 kilometers (12,500 miles), linking seven Canadian provinces and extending into the United States.
How much did it cost to construct?
At the time of its construction, the Canadian Pacific Railway cost around 52 million Canadian dollars, which would be equal to around a billion dollars today.
What is the CPR a symbol of?
The Canadian Pacific Railway became a powerful symbol of national unity, representing not only the growth of the country’s economy, but also the government’s relationship with its citizens.
What are the most famous routes?
The three most popular routes are:
- Across Canada by Train: takes you from Toronto to Vancouver
- Essential Rockies by Train: takes you from Vancouver to Calgary
- Canada Coast to Coast by Train: takes you from Halifax to Vancouver
Bon Voyage!
