Fairbanks in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)

The Harding Car

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 17, 2024

1. The Harding Car Marker

Inscription.
The Harding Car was built in 1905 in Chicago, Illinois and carried passengers until 1945. It was donated to the City of Fairbanks in 1959, and moved to the Park in 1965.

The Harding Car, also known as the Denali Car, is the train car that President Warren G. Harding rode in when he came to Alaska in 1923 to drive the Golden Spike for the Alaska Railroad. The Golden Spike signified the completion of the 500 mile long line. Harding was the first President to visit Alaska.

Erected by Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks and Recreation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 64° 50.282′ N, 147° 46.347′ W. Marker is in Fairbanks, Alaska, in Fairbanks North Star Borough. It can be reached from Airport Way. Marker and rail car are in Pioneer Park, near the main entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks AK 99701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Alaska Railroad Corridor,

in the Athabascan

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Region,

and in Interior Alaska.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The History of Pioneer Park (here, next to this marker); Bartlett Plaza (a few steps from this marker); 1967 Chena River Flood (within shouting distance of this marker); A Cord of Wood an Hour (within shouting distance of this marker); Engine Room (within shouting distance of this marker); Packet Steamer (within shouting distance of this marker); First Captain Charles Adams and Last Captain Howard Adams (within shouting distance of this marker); Steamer Nenana's Final Voyage (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairbanks.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Harding Car (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).

The Harding Car and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 17, 2024

2. The Harding Car and Marker

The Harding Car image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 17, 2024

3. The Harding Car

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 17, 2024

4. The Harding Car and Marker

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 17, 2024

5. The Harding Car

The Harding Car Interior image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 17, 2024

6. The Harding Car Interior

Seating removed

Credits. This page was last revised on May 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 289 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 11, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 5, 6. submitted on September 16, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.