See photographs of the Klondike Gold Rush, California, Oregon and Washington taken by Arthur C. Pillsbury (1870-1946) between about 1896 and 1900.
Unidentified islands, ca. 1899
Islands are presumed to be in Alaska but exact location is unknown.
Identifier: spl_ap_00118
Date: 1899?
View this itemMan riding on Chilkoot Pass tramway, ca. 1899
During the Klondike Gold Rush, several hoists and tramways were constructed to help prospectors transport heavy loads of supplies and cargo over the pass. Prior to the construction of the tramways, prospectors carried their supplies themselves or with packhorses. Peterson's Hoist was constructed in 1896 and relied on a pulley and sled system. In 1897, Archie Burns' Tramway, a horse-powered system, went into operation. In March 1898 the Dyea-Klondike Transportation company opened up their own tram, the first electric-powered version in the world. Later that year the company merged with the Alaska Railroad and Transportation Company and Chilkoot Railroad and Transport Company to expand tram operations. In June 1899, the tram was purchased by the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad and the tram system was torn down, soon to be replaced by a narrow-gauge railroad.
Identifier: spl_ap_00125
Date: 1899?
View this item"Joseph Closset" stern wheeler at Five Finger Rapids on Yukon River, ca. 1899
The Joseph Closset frequently traveled the Yukon River to carry prospectors to the gold fields during the Klondike Gold Rush.
Identifier: spl_ap_00156
Date: 1899?
View this itemBlind Aaron and wife at home in Wrangell, Alaska, ca. 1899
Identifier: spl_ap_00130
Date: 1899?
View this itemRampart City on the Yukon River, ca. 1899
Rampart City was established in 1897 and used as a stopping point for prospectors traveling on the Yukon River. The photograph appears to be taken from the deck of a boat, possibly the Charles H. Hamilton which can be seen in spl_ap_00017. Signs on buildings in the photograph (from left to right) include: "Drugs," "Exchange Store," "Saddle Rock Restaurant Hotel," "T.J. Nestor General Store," "The Mirror," "Pabst," "Chop House," "For Rent," and "Rampart City North American Transportation & Trading Co."
Identifier: spl_ap_00016
Date: 1899?
View this itemWhite Pass and Yukon Railway construction celebration at Bennett, B.C., July 6, 1899
During the Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass was one of the routes used by prospectors to travel from Skagway to the Yukon gold fields. In April 1898 the White Pass and Yukon Railroad Company was formed in an effort to establish an easier way through the pass. Construction on the railroad began the following month. Thousands of workers worked around the clock in treacherous conditions to complete the project. The railroad track was completed at White Pass on February 20, 1899 and reached Lake Bennett on July 6, 1899. The final spike on the railroad was placed on July 29, 1900 in Carcross, B.C.
Identifier: spl_ap_00113
Date: 1899-07-06
View this itemWhite Pass and Yukon Railway, ca. 1899
During the Klondike Gold Rush, the White Pass was one of the routes used by prospectors to travel from Skagway to the Yukon gold fields. In April 1898 the White Pass and Yukon Railroad Company was formed in an effort to establish an easier way through the pass. Construction on the railroad began the following month. Thousands of workers worked around the clock in treacherous conditions to complete the project. The railroad track was completed at White Pass on February 20, 1899 and reached Lake Bennett on July 6, 1899. The final spike on the railroad was placed on July 29, 1900 in Carcross, B.C.
Identifier: spl_ap_00140
Date: 1899?
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