The train track along the Healy Canyon wall provides an exhilarating view down to the Nenana River below. Imagine the challenge of constructing this grade in 1921. Three tunnels at the south end of the canyon made the job a little easier by cutting . . . — — Map (db m71361) HM
Used by President Warren G. Harding on his trip to Alaska in 1923 to drive the Golden Spike for the Alaska Railroad. “Denali" is the Indian name for Mt. McKinley, the “Great One.” — — Map (db m219066) HM
On McCarthy Road (at milepost 29), on the left when traveling west.
From 1911-1938 the Copper River & Northwestern Railway was the lifeline for the Kennecott mines. Nicknamed the “Can't Run & Never Will” by its skeptics, the CR&NW overcame incredible challenges in its construction and operation.
Blasted and . . . — — Map (db m173891) HM
On McCarthy Road (at milepost 29), on the left when traveling west.
“In constructing high trestles and in laying steel track on beds of ice and snow, storms, high winds, and extreme cold tried the patience and fidelity of the strongest and most faithful.” — Cordova Daily Alaskan April 1, . . . — — Map (db m173892) HM
On Richardson Highway (Alaska Route 4 at milepost 15).
“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 . . . — — Map (db m49609) HM
On Front Street east of George Parks Highway (Alaska Route 3), on the right when traveling east.
President Warren G. Harding, first U.S. President to visit Alaska traveled here to pound the Golden Spike signalling completion of the Alaska Railroad from tidewater to the interior July 15, 1926.
State of Alaska
Governor Walter J. Hickel . . . — — Map (db m42948) HM
