Skagway, Alaska

On July 2, 1996 I arrived in Skagway, AK about 1 p.m. Pacific. (Alaska operates on Alaska time which is an hour earlier - 12 noon).

I was surprised that vehicle traffic isn't a problem - at least at this time of year - parking was available on the street most anywhere.

There were two cruise ships and a giant ferry in port. Skagway was busy with tourists from the boats.

Skagway, Alaska

Cruise Ships, Skagway, Alaska

Ferry, Skagway, Alaska

Snow plow, White Pass and Yukon Railway, Skagway, Alaska

The White Pass and Yukon Railroad was running two trains with many cars - the trains are pulled up the pass by diesel engines but there was a steam engine that pulled cars from the cruise ship loading area to the edge of town where a diesel took over. Lots of people taking the ride.

Passenger Train, White Pass and Yukon Railway, Skagway, Alaska

The Klondike Gold Rush was a migration by an estimated 100,000 prospectors to the Klondike region of the Yukon, in north-western Canada, between 1896 and 1899. Gold was discovered there by local miners on August 16, 1896, and, when news reached Seattle and San Francisco the following year, it triggered a stampede of prospectors. Some became wealthy, but the majority went in vain.

To reach the gold fields, most prospectors took the route through the ports of Dyea and Skagway, in Southeast Alaska. Here, the Klondikers could follow either the Chilkoot or the White Pass trails to the Yukon River, and sail down to the Klondike.

The Canadian authorities required each of them to bring a year's supply of food, in order to prevent starvation. In all, the Klondikers' equipment weighed close to a ton, which most carried themselves, in stages. Performing this task, and contending with the mountainous terrain and cold climate, meant those who persisted did not arrive until summer 1898. Once there, they found few opportunities, and many left disappointed.

Information about the Klondike Gold Rush.

Prospectors ascending the Chilkoot Pass, 1898

Downtown has a lot of historic buildings and much of downtown is part of the Klondike Gold Rush Historic Park run by the National Park Service.

Lots of "tourist trap" stores to spend your money in. I walked around town taking pictures, etc.

Decided to drive out to Dyea, AK where the Chilkoot Trail trailhead is - along with a campground. However, they had the road closed because they had a forest fire in the area.

Returned to town and found a motel room - Wind Valley Lodge. I hit it lucky as some days they are full (usually a bus load) - and they pickup some when a ferry comes in.

Downtown Skagway, Alaska

The Trail Inn & Pack Train Saloon, Downtown Skagway, Alaska

Golden North Hotel, Downtown Skagway, Alaska historic building

The Mascot Saloon, Downtown Skagway, Alaska

Artic Brotherhood Hall, Downtown Skagway, Alaska

Reid Falls, Skagway, Alaska - John Moerk Photo

Friday, July 3, 1998

Clear and Sunny day. Walked around Skagway some more to see the historic places and take a few pictures. Was very quiet without all the cruise ship tourists from yesterday. Checked out the Skagway Museum - nice history of the area.

Visited the Gold Rush Cemetery and nearby Reid Falls.

Use of the cemetery stopped about 1908. The early town had a "good guy" named Reid and a "bad guy" named "Soapy Smith". One day they got in an argument and shot each other at the same time. Smith died immediately, Reid 12 days later.

The town went all out to honor Reid - some 1000 showed up for the burial and they erected a large nice monument over his grave - and named the nearby waterfall for him.

They forgot about Smith - who continued to lay on the dock where he had met his end. Some visitors arriving on a boat complained about having to step over the smelly body. He was also eventually planted in the cemetery. I got to hear an elegant explanation of all this by a tour guide for one of the bus tours.

Gold Rush Cemetery, Skagway, Alaska

Frank H. Reid grave marker, Gold Rush Cemetery, Skagway, Alaska

Gold Rush Cemetery, Skagway, Alaska

Information on some of the people in the Gold Rush Cemetery