Who served as the president of the railway during its construction?

William Van Horne is recognized as the key figure who served as the president of the Canadian Pacific Railway during its construction. His leadership was instrumental in the development of the railway, overseeing the logistics, planning, and execution necessary to connect the eastern provinces of Canada to the west. Van Horne’s background in railway management and his ability to navigate the challenges of building a transcontinental railway were critical to its eventual success. His efforts not only facilitated transportation and trade but also contributed significantly to the economic growth of Canada, enabling immigration and settlement in the western regions.

Understanding the roles of the other individuals is important as well. George Stephen was a significant financier and the first president of the Canadian Pacific Railway but did not manage the day-to-day operations during construction. Donald Smith played a vital role as a promoter and financier, and he is often recognized for driving the project forward, particularly through the political landscape. John A. Macdonald, as Prime Minister, championed the building of the railway as a national policy, but his role was more political rather than operational in nature. All these figures contributed to the railway's legacy, but it was William Van Horne's presidency that was pivotal during the construction phase.