Dyea in Skagway, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
The Road to Gold
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 24, 2024
1. The Road to Gold Marker
From transportation to tourism, Skagway has long provided more than one avenue to wealth.
One early entrepreneur, George Brackett, hoped to become rich by building a toll road up the Skagway Valley in 1897. Although his toll gates were sometimes ignored and damaged, the enterprise was relatively successful until the White Pass & Yukon Route (WP&YR) railroad began laying track in late May 1898. Brackett knew he couldn't compete, so he sold his toll road to the railroad.
The WP&YR, built partly through steep mountainous terrain and during bouts of extreme weather, dominated transportation throughout much of Skagway's history. It took two years, 110 miles of track, 35,000 workers, plenty of dynamite, and the determination of contractor Michael J. Heney, before [the] railroad reached Whitehorse, Canada. For decades, the WP&YR transported freight, ore, and passengers, in addition to promoting tourism with excursion trains, just as it does today.
Tourism has always played an important role in Skagway's economy. Every summer, thousands arrive by cruise ships, Alaska Marine Highway ferries, airplanes, and automobiles on the
this page online
[Photo captions, clockwise from top right, read]
[Portrait of] George Augustus Brackett, circa 1870
White Pass & Yukon Route travel brochure, circa 1912
Laborers on the WP&YR, May 1899
White Pass & Yukon Route Broadway Depot, Skagway, Alaska, April 1899
[Portrait of] Michael J. Heney, 1904
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1899.
Location. 59° 27.132′ N, 135° 19.224′ W. Marker is in Skagway, Alaska. It is in Dyea. It is on Broadway near the railroad grade crossing, on the left when traveling south. Marker is in Shoreline Park, near the new comfort station. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Broadway, Skagway AK 99840, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Alaska, in
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 24, 2024
2. The Road to Gold Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: U.S. Army Invades Skagway (here, next to this marker); Ho, for the Klondike! (here, next to this marker); Nιechxwϊduyaa (here, next to this marker); Gateway to the Interior (here, next to this marker); The Plants of Pullen Creek (a few steps from this marker); Nature Always Succeeds! (within shouting distance of this marker); Three Thousand Pack Animals (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Skagway Centennial Statue (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Skagway.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . . White Pass & Yukon Route History. (Submitted on October 1, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 24, 2024
3. White Pass & Yukon Route Excursion Ready for Departure from Skagway
Credits. This page was last revised on January 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 1, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 166 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 1, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 3. submitted on September 30, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
