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Skagway, Alaska
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Skagway, Alaska
Skagway, Alaska. In 1896, gold was found in the Klondike region of Canadas Yukon Territory. On July 29th, 1897, the steamer Queen docked at Moores wharf in Skagway with the first boat load of prospectors. Very quickly, the population of the general area had reached 30, 000, composed largely of American prospectors, leading to lawlessness, described by one member of the North-West Mounted Police as " little better than a hell on earth." Date: 1909
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Media ID 14245108
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
1897 Alaska Alaskan Mar17 Prospector Prospectors Rush Skagway Territory Yukon Lawless
EDITORS COMMENTS
Skagway, Alaska, 1909: A testament to the wild and lawless days of the Klondike Gold Rush. In the summer of 1897, the discovery of gold in the Klondike region of Canada's Yukon Territory set off a mass exodus of prospectors in search of fortune. On July 29th of that year, the steamer Queen docked at Moores Wharf in Skagway, bringing with it the first wave of eager prospectors. The population of the general area grew rapidly, reaching an estimated 30,000 by the end of the year, largely composed of American prospectors. The influx of people led to a lawless environment, described by one member of the North-West Mounted Police as "little better than a hell on earth." With no law and order, the streets of Skagway were filled with saloons, gambling dens, and brothels. Prospectors were often lured into scams and con games, and violence was common. Despite the hardships and dangers, the allure of gold continued to draw thousands to Skagway and the surrounding areas. The 1890s became a decade of adventure, opportunity, and survival for those brave enough to make the journey. This photograph, taken in 1909, captures a snapshot of life in Skagway during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush, a time that would forever be etched in Alaskan history.
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