Near Tok in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Taylor Highway
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 1, 2010
1. Taylor Highway Marker
Inscription.
Taylor Highway. . The Taylor Highway leads through some of the earliest and richest gold mining country in Alaska to the City of Eagle on the Yukon River. Gold was discovered by Franklin in 1886 and the old town of Forty Mile was located on the Yukon River at the mouth of the Forty Mile River. A river boat trip from Eagle will take you to this historic town. The Chicken Creek area was also a rich gold mining area at about the same time. Wade Creek was another rich area and the remains of an old dredge still stand along the road. The old horse and wagon trail used by the early day miners and freighters is still visible in many places and the present highway often parallels this trail. The largest herd of caribou in Alaska crosses the Taylor Highway each fall on it annual migration. This is truly a sportsmans paradise with an abundance of fish and game.
The Taylor Highway leads through some of the earliest and richest gold mining country in Alaska to the City of Eagle on the Yukon River. Gold was discovered by Franklin in 1886 and the old town of Forty Mile was located on the Yukon River at the mouth of the Forty Mile River. A river boat trip from Eagle will take you to this historic town. The Chicken Creek area was also a rich gold mining area at about the same time. Wade Creek was another rich area and the remains of an old dredge still stand along the road. The old horse and wagon trail used by the early day miners and freighters is still visible in many places and the present highway often parallels this trail. The largest herd of caribou in Alaska crosses the Taylor Highway each fall on it annual migration. This is truly a sportsmans paradise with an abundance of fish and game.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.
Location. 63° 18.89′ N, 142° 35.953′ W. Marker is near Tok in Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska. Marker is at the intersection of Taylor Highway (Alaska Route 6) and Alaska Highway (Alaska Highway 2) on Taylor Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tok AK 99780, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Description of this highway, of which only part is paved, with historical sites and attractions listed for the traveler.
This is one of only two Alaskan highways which close during the winter months. (Submitted on November 28, 2011.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 2, 2010
2. The Taylor Highway
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 1, 2010
3. Roadside Attractions
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 2, 2010
4. Chicken
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 3, 2010
5. Gold Dredge at Chicken
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 648 times since then and 2 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on November 17, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.