Stories

Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park was established to commemorate the great stampede that caught the attention of the world, and transformed the demographics, culture and environment of Alaska and the Yukon. The event was not one single human drama, but hundreds of thousands of stories of the stampeders who made their way to the Klondike, leaving a trail of boom towns and history behind.

Dive into history with some of these fascinating stories from the Klondike Gold Rush:

• Stampeders were required to carry one ton of goods to the Klondike
• Tramways of the Chilkoot Trail helped stampeders transport their gear

 

• 

  What was the Klondike Gold Rush?

  Learn about the great human drama that was the mad dash to the far north known as the Klondike Gold Rush.

• 

  Buffalo Soldiers of Company L

  Company L, a unit of black soldiers, spent 3 years serving their country in Southeast Alaska. Learn about their time taming the frontier.

• 

  Recreation in Skagway

  Baseball, football, basketball, hiking, and photography there was a club or sport for every Skagwegian.

• 

  Chilkoot Trail History

  From a Tlingit trade route, to a gold rush highway, to a modern recreation trail. Learn how the Chilkoot Trail has changed over 150 years.

• 

  The George & Edna Rapuzzi Collection

  Learn more about some of the unique and historic items in Jeff. Smiths Parlor Museum donated by the Rasmuson Foundation.

• 

  The Flood of 1901

  In October 1901 the Skagway river rose quickly and threatened the town. Learn how Company L responded to the disaster.

 

 

National Park Service, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Candy Waugaman Collection, KLGO Library SS-127-8834