Near Valdez in Chugach Census Area, Alaska — Northwest (North America)

Old Railroad Tunnel

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 24, 2010

1. Old Railroad Tunnel Marker

Inscription.
“The Iron Trail” by Rex Beach describes these events and this area.

This tunnel was hand cut into the solid rock of Keystone Canyon and is all that is left of the “railroad era” when nine companies fought to take advantage of the short route from the coast to the Copper Country. However a feud interrupted progress. A gun battle was fought and the tunnel was never finished.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars.

Location. 61° 5.052′ N, 145° 53.593′ W. Marker is near Valdez in Chugach Census Area, Alaska. It is on Richardson Highway (Alaska Route 4 at milepost 15). The Richardson Highway mile posts were established before the 1964 Good Friday earthquake destroyed the town of Valdez. 'Old' Valdez was abandoned and 'New' Valdez was established four miles further down the road, thus the mile post for 'New' Valdez is -4 miles. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Valdez AK 99686, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southcentral Alaska.

It is

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also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

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

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Horse and Sled Trail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Goat Trail (approx. one mile away); Gold Rush Pioneer Trail: The Richardson Highway, Oldest Highway in Alaska (approx. 3.1 miles away).

The Old Railroad Tunnel image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 24, 2010

2. The Old Railroad Tunnel

Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 1,745 times since then and 64 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 18, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.