Skagway was once the embarkation point for the Klondike gold rush of 1898. The gold was discovered by Skookum Jim, George W. Carmack and Dawson Charlie on Rabbit Creek, later called Bonanza, a tributary of the Klondike River, 600 miles from Skagway.
Moore opens trail on July 14 1897, just before steamships Excelsior and Portland arrive in San Francisco and Seattle with famed "Ton of Gold", setting off Klondike Gold Rush. On July 29, the steamer Queen lands at Moore's wharf, the first of many stuffed with hundreds of gold seekers. The Moores are overrun: Mooresville is re-platted by surveyor Frank Reid as Skaguay. Later that fall, a post office, and the first church (Union), and newspaper (Skaguay News) are established.
Many pack animals perish on crude White Pass, which will be dubbed "Dead Horse Trail." George Brackett builds toll road to White Pass City, a tent city 15 miles up the valley. Canadian Mounties begin to guard the passes, although their government is claiming territory including Skagway, where they briefly establish a post.
1898 - Skagway booms to 8,000 to 10,000 population. Daily Alaskan newspaper appears. Chamber of commerce and volunteer fire department organize. Construction begins in May on White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad after an agreement is secured by Close Brothers of London to purchase Brackett's road for a right-of-way. Unofficial city government forms and allows railroad tracks up Broadway. First school opens in Union Church in June. Criminal element led by Soapy Smith reigns until he is shot and killed by an angry mob led by Frank Reid on July 8, four days after he stood on the podium with Gov. John Brady at Skagway's first Independence Day celebration. U.S. Army, stationed in Dyea, restores order. Reid dies from wound and is given a hero's funeral at the town cemetery on the outskirts of town. Spelling changed to Skagway by post office, and most businesses reluctantly follow. Townspeople are called Skagwayans.
This will be a fun filled day of activities and tours. Click here to read reviews about the tours.Click here to see all the Princess tours available.
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Mom, Have you done the White Pass Scenic Railway tour before? It looks interesting.
Lisa
I have not done the railway, but did take the van tour up to the pass on my first trip. We had a lot of fog up there but could still see the "road" that the prospectors used to travel up to the Yucon. I found it amazing to see what they had endured and to still see evidence of their travels. It was barely wide enough for a pack mule, with a sheer dropoff. They had to have provisions for a year before they were allowed to pass through. Mary
I will talk to Ham Carey about the train ride. I think he took that excursion when he and Betty went. Mom
Also, you need to be aware, Lisa, that Patricia has found formals for Kristen and Kathryn to wear on the formal nights. We can look for something for Mary when I go down 4/18. Mom
We did the hike and float trip last time. It was fun. The hike is fairly easy and the float isn't too rough. We saw a grizzly bear fishing. We thought we would do the Remote Coastal Nature Hike this time. The rainforest we saw hiking last time was beautiful. Lots of mosses and greenery. I'd like to see more.
Bob and Louise picked the White Pass Scenic Railway # 009 for today's trip. It sounded so interesting, Bryan and I decided to join them. Beth
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