Skagway Alaska Waterfront 1899 Credit: Library of Congress
Nearly 110 years ago, a wave of seemingly ordinary people poured relentlessly into the North, suffering incredible hardships to seek their fortunes toiling in the frozen earth. Thousands of these erstwhile adventurers crossed through the wild expanses of Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon in the years of 1897 and 1898; reaching out for the bright Klondike goldfields found near Dawson City.
Nothing has captured people’s imagination of and allure to the North more than this epic period of stampeders overcoming the elements and terrain in search of gold. Iconic stories remain clear in our memories and have been retold by others thousands of times: the S.S. Portland’s arrival in Seattle with the first of the Klondike miners and their gold, Soapy Smith’s confidence gang in Skagway, the short existence of the town of Dyea, the line of men climbing the Golden Staircase packing gear up the Chilkoot Trail, floating across Lake Bennett and down the Yukon River, and reaching the goldfields of Dawson City.
And though many are familiar with these stories about the incredible journey and experiences of the stampeders, there’s an even larger story to tell. For example, there’s the story of how the Klondike changed the lives of First Nations and Native Alaskans who lived in the area long before outsiders arrived. Another revolves around the effect of the gold rush on the natural environment and the ability of the land to recover in some areas, while other areas still show obvious evidence of the miners.
There are so many stories that have not ever been told before. Each community along the route to the Klondike has its own story to tell: Wrangell, where John Muir recorded his initial impressions, traveling the Stikine River Trail prior to the Gold Rush; Juneau’s with it’s own gold rush of the 1880’s, and from where many expeditions were launched to the Klondike; Skagway and the development of the White Pass & Yukon Railroad; Dyea, practically born overnight, disappearing after the rush; and the expansion of growth into northern Canada. Until now, there hasn’t been a way to tell the whole story of the Klondike Gold Rush to visitors traveling in the north.
A Volunteer Effort – Today a dedicated group is working to allow present day travelers a chance to retrace the footsteps and voyages of these prospectors that rushed north between 1897 and 1899. Known as the International Klondike Gold Rush Trail (IKGRT), communities along the historic route are developing a thematic trail that highlights the impact of the Klondike Gold Rush to the region. Communities both big and small are participating the trail effort.
Each community that was part of or affected by the Klondike gold rush has a chance to contribute to the project. Civic leaders, volunteer groups and agency employees from places like Seattle, Wrangell, Tenakee Springs, Juneau, Haines, Skagway, Whitehorse, Dawson City, and Eagle have joined forces to make the IKGRT a reality. Visitors will not only learn of the era through the project’s interpretive efforts, they will be introduced to the many outdoor recreation opportunities available along the route.
A Work in Progress – Community partners, with assistance from entities like Alaska Trails and National Park Service Conservation Assistance Program have presented the IKGRT concept in town hall meetings, from Eagle, Alaska and Dawson City, B.C. to Ketchikan. Researchers with Utah State University are providing communities with information on economic benefits, demographics, maps and historical resources to assist in local decision-making. Partners are now seeking grant funds for a Alaska’s Rasmuson Foundation has funded a planning conference for the project in Juneau this fall to determine how best implement the thematic trail concept.
The Thematic Trail Concept – Visitors traveling along the IKGRT will have a chance to find information at every step of the historic trail through the internet, and through publications, and informational kiosks located along the way. Travelers can craft their itinerary to match local opportunities, activities, and historical highlights. Some examples of other thematic trails are SEAtrails – the Southeast Alaska Trail System, the International Selkirk Loop in Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia, the Captain James Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, and the Underground Railroad, all of which link many communities together with common stories and activities.
The prospects for travel and activities along the IKGRT are vast. Travel can be aboard a cruise ship, ferry, train, car, or recreational vehicle. Each community has its own unique offerings for fishing, backpacking, and boating experiences. Opportunities abound for learning of local natural history, Native culture, and regional history. Travel to the North is an extraordinary experience and the International Klondike Gold Rush Trail will weave together its history along a seamless route that tells the full and rich story of the Rush of ‘98.
The Klondike Gold Rush represents a unique period in the history of North America, with its iconic effects on northern development. The International Klondike Gold Rush Trail offers visitors a chance to see and experience the entire story of the great adventure and, yes, to “follow in the footsteps of the miners”. Local volunteers and community groups along the trail are welcome to participate and help make this effort a reality. Additional information can be found on-line at the Alaska Trails website.
Copyright © 2008 by Alan Sorum
