How long did the journey take between Skagway and the Klondike gold fields?
Beginning in the summer of 1897, thousands of hopeful stampeders poured in to the new town and prepared for the arduous 500-mile journey to the gold fields.
What was Dawson City like during the Gold Rush?
From a population of 500 in 1896, the town grew to house approximately 30,000 people by summer 1898. Built of wood, isolated, and unsanitary, Dawson suffered from fires, high prices, and epidemics. Despite this, the wealthiest prospectors spent extravagantly, gambling and drinking in the saloons.
Why did Skagway become a boomtown during the Klondike gold lush?
Outfits lay stacked in Dyea as stampeders grouped their supplies. Circa 1897. Skagway and Dyea, Alaska, located 600 miles south of the gold fields, were the closest salt water ports to the Klondike. They soon became “boom towns” that catered to miners.
What is Skagway DYEA route?
The Dyea Highway is a paved 2-lane road that begins at Mile 2.4 of the South Klondike Highway north of Skagway. It runs 1.4 miles to a viewpoint over Skagway and Taiya Inlet and then at Mile 1.8 narrows and becomes gravel for 4.4 miles.
Where are the Gold Rush cemeteries in Skagway?
The Gold Rush Cemetery. This is the oldest cemetery in Skagway and the easiest to visit. This was the first cemetery for the City of Skagway and many of our famous Gold Rush characters are interred here including local kingpin Jefferson “Soapy” Smith and early tourism promoter Martin Itjen and his “world’s largest gold nugget.”…
Where are the Gold Rush cemeteries in Alaska?
A few graves near the cemetery are within park boundaries and contain interpretive signs. A short footbridge leads you off park property and into the Municipality owned Slide Cemetery. It is located approximately 10 miles from Skagway, Alaska near the old Dyea Townsite.
Where can I find information about the Klondike Gold Rush?
Many Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park publications are currently available free online through the National Park Service’s Park History site. Stampeders, loaded with gear, wait in line starting up Chilkoot Pass.
Is the slide Cemetery part of the Gold Rush?
Though the Slide Cemetery is not part of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, it is accessed through the park. A few graves near the cemetery are within park boundaries and contain interpretive signs.
