GRR_00888b

• Format: Still Image
• Language: unknown
• Subjects: Yukon; White Pass; Chilkoot Pass; Skagway; Yukon river
• Online Access: http://cdm16274.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p16274coll15/id/2720

HI 92—(27122) / FIRST TRAIN OVER WHITE PASS AND YUKON RIVER Almost as soon as it was certainly known that gold had been discovered in the Klondike, the possibility of a railroad from the coast to the gold fields was discussed. Among the earliest bands that trailed along Dyea trail across Chilkoot Pass were one or two surveyors examining the country. Americans had no money for such a risk, so $5,000,000 was raised in London. Then the work was begun. Skagway changed from a "shack-town" to an important port as materials came in. There were no reliable maps and five surveys were made before the route was chosen. The first five miles over level country was easy and in two months this part was finished and opened for traffic. The work of building the line over the mountains was difficult. The road had to climb 2,888 feet in fifteen miles, cliffs were blasted to make a shelf. They worked seven days a week and in one season carried the railroad over the summit of the pass, an almost incredible feat. Hundreds of new arrivals poured into Skagway and all went as far as they could on the railroad. Many on their way in were glad to earn money to help them outfit, while others who had found disappointment were glad to earn enough to get away. After the first train, the Dyea trail over Chilkoot piSi was deserted. Even this flat car was better than going on foot. It was easier to sit on baggage than to carry it. From the very beginning the railroad was a paying proposition. The next summer work was resumed, a lake was drained, bridges built, and it was carried into White Horse on the Yukon. Today trains run every day except Sunday. Rotary snow- plows clear the tracks of snow sometimes 35 feet deep. Copyright by The Keystone View Company J>~>f