Carcross in Unorganized Yukon, Yukon — The Northern Territories (North America)
White Pass & Yukon Route
The Golden Spike
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 11, 2010
1. White Pass & Yukon Route Marker
Undaunted by those who said the railway could not be built a small group of devoted White Passers composed of contractor Michael J. Heney, chief engineer F.C. Hawkins, assistant chief engineer John Hislop and the railways first president Samuel H. Graves pushed the work to completion. After overcoming almost insurmountable construction problems the last rail was laid at this spot on July 29th, 1900. On that day The Golden Spike was set in place and with a cheering boisterous crowd of Alaskans and Yukoners in attendance, Samuel H. Graves drove it home. The job was done.
To the thousands of men who gave their strength, and talents to the construction of the White Pass & Yukon Railway this plaque is respectfully dedicated on the 65th anniversary of the White Pass & Yukons Golden Spike.
July 29th, 1965 Carcross, Yukon
Erected 1965.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1890.
Location. 60° 9.913′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Canadian North. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Arctic, in the Western Hemisphere, and in the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: SS Tutshi Mechanical Equipment (a few steps from this marker); "Tutshi" Mechanics (a few steps from this marker); Restoration of the "SS Tutshi" (a few steps from this marker); Adapting to Changing Times (a few steps from this marker); "The Crew of the "SS Tutshi" (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named White Pass & Yukon Route (a few steps from this marker); Freighting on the Southern Lakes (within shouting distance of this marker); "To the Land Where Beauty Does Abide" (within shouting distance
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 11, 2010
2. White Pass & Yukon Route Depot
The marker is at the far left.
Regarding White Pass & Yukon Route. Carcross The Tagish people call this area Todezzane, blowing all the time and the Tlingit called call it Naataase Heen, water running through the narrows. In 1899, the community was officially named Caribou Crossing, referring to the spot where the local woodland caribou herd crossed the narrows. Bishop Bompass requested Caribou Crossing be renamed Carcorss in 1904, and the government approved the change in 1906.
J.H. Brownlee surveyed the town site in 1899 for the White Pass & Yukon Route (WP&YR)... The town was established by WP&YR to maintain the rail line and connect freight and passengers to Atlin and points around the lake via the sternwheelers.
Taken from Carcross Historic Buildings Walking Tour
Also see . . . Carcross, Yukon Territory - Wikipedia. (Submitted on November 10, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 11, 2010
3. White Pass & Yukon Route Bridge over the Narrows.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 11, 2010
4. White Pass & Yukon Route Excursion Train Arriving
Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,169 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 10, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
