Skagway was originally a gold rush town. In 1897 thousands of gold seekers descended on the area and what was originally hundreds of tents, became Broadway street. Two years after the first miners it was a booming town. The gold was depleted and the town dwindled. The railroad to Canada came and Skagway became an important hub for transportation. The train still runs and is a popular tourist attraction plus normal traffic.
It is a beautiful town which reminded us of Ouray, Colorado because of the surrounding mountains.
Skagway has abundant summer daylight and areas of good soil allowing the early residents to grow great gardens. As a result Skagway was known as the garden city of Alaska. In WWII many soldiers were garrisoned in Skagway using all available space for tents which destroyed the gardens. Since then, the gardens have been replanted growing flowers and vegetables. Here is an example of flowers growing in the front yard of a house.
One of the workers told us that the summer population is 5,000 and the winter population is under 1,000. We asked her where all seasonal workers stayed. She was staying in a house owned by the shop owner with 17 roommates. Fortunately, they all got along really well.
The previous 3 days in Alaska had been cloudy and rainy. In the late morning, the sun came out and the skies were blue. Caroline and Polly were glad they actually had to wear their sunglasses on. With the sun, the temperatures rose and the day became very nice indeed.
Once a year the National Park Service and the local fire department sponsor a day for kids. There are multiple activities for kids including setting up lean toy like the early miners, CD decorating, and more. The fire department set up a mini obstacle course which included a simulated hose carry, body drag, and water hose use ( see pictures below). The kids were having a great time.
One of the old train engines was displayed next to the train tracks. Chuck as the engineer, Rick is on his way to help out.
A train full or tourists on its way out of Skagway.
We did see some wildlife in Skagway. There were two women hanging out of a window flirting with the guys and inviting us into the building. They were advertising a vaudeville show reminiscent of what went on in that building in the old days. It was an old saloon. There may have been other forms of entertainment going on in those days as well.
There were no lack of places to eat in Skagway. We chose to eat at the Skagway Brewing company. Their signature product is a Spruce Tip Blonde Ale. It is flavored with the first new growth from Sitka Spruce trees. The flavor and aroma are subtle, but definitely a bit of a pine taste, Rick and I liked the beer. Caroline and I had halibut fish and chips which was excellent. It was a good lunch.
Rick and Chuck waiting for Caroline and Polly who were shopping. BTW, we are NOT holding hands.