In August of 1896 gold was discovered near where the
Klondike and Yukon rivers joined in northwestern Canada. Skagway became the
major gateway for the Klondike Gold Rush and tents lined Broadway Street as the
town grew by leaps and bounds. But by December of 1896 wooden buildings
replaced the tents and then, less than two years later, Skagway had boardwalks
on both sides, brick chimneys, railroad tracks, and utility poles. 80 saloons,
three breweries, and many brothels occupied the town.
Many of those original buildings have been restored to exact
standards including historical paint schemes and sign fonts. As I meandered
town today (wanted to get to the quilt shop again) I took some pictures in black
and white. I did take one in color of such a pretty car.
Just imagine what life was like just over 100 years ago…
