Alaska - Skagway


The small town of Skagway at the head of the Taiya Inlet has its roots in the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1800s. It served as a gateway port to one of the most direct, if arduous, routes to the gold fields near Dawson City. A railroad was eventually built to transport those prospectors who could afford it over White Pass in the Coast Range. We had no particular interest in gold mining history but the local museum, part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park, did a good job of bringing it all to life: the incredible physical challenge of just getting over the mountains, the luckless pack animals left for dead on the trail, the very low odds of even finding a claim to stake, let alone striking it rich, and the diverse cast of characters including prospectors, business entrepreneurs, con men and prostitutes. It would make a really good Netflix series.


Deborah at the Captain William Moore Cabin - historical site and museum.








Skagway Visitor Center (former Arctic Brotherhood Hall). The facade is said to be made of 8000 pieces of driftwood.


Museum of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park



Somewhat shabby but still interesting residential architecture


Snow plow locomotive
(photo by Deborah)







Skagway Museum



Our ship at dock in Skagway



Who knew kids wear salmon? Sounds uncomfortable. And dangerous in bear country.
(photo by Deborah)

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