Sept. 8 – On this day in Montana history in 1883 Northern Pacific Railroad president Henry Villard held what was actually the second ceremony driving the last spike of the line at Independence Creek. In reality the first ceremony occurred Aug. 22 when work was actually completed, but Villard held an international public relations event on this day that saw a special train filled with dignitaries and reporters from across the world brought to Montana to bring attention to the economic possibilities of the line.