Skagway, Alaska (Tuesday 8/24) 5:00 am - 8:15 pm:
Skagway developed as a result of the late 19th century gold rush, and many area activities are centered around that heritage. These include gold panning at the Gold Rush Trail Camp; riding on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, created for the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898; educating yourself at the Klondike Gold National Historical Park Visitor Center; and visiting the gold rush era Red Onion Saloon (also a former brothel).
An Overview of Skagway:
It is here where fortune seekers during the Alaska Gold Rush sought rest and relaxation on the grueling route to the Yukon. In the late 1890s the town consisted of make-shift tents and shacks and was full of adventurers. Skagway is where these men bought their supplies, and the town catered to hundreds of gold diggers.
The influx left Skagway open to scores of con artists, and the area became home to numerous gambling houses and bordellos, as well as 80 saloons. Skagway is also where the legendary "Soapy Smith" ran his infamous "business" deals -- cheating and conning virtually all who entered the town.
Now at least 800,000 passengers find themselves enjoying the town with "gold rush theme". Many locals continue to dress in the costumes of the 1890s and many vintage autos are on display. The saloons, although restored, have the gold rush theme, and so Soapy continues to be immortalized.
Skagway's rain is approximately 30 - 33 inches per year. The name Skagway means "Home of the North Wind" in Tlingit (Indian), and it is appropriate. Skagway's wind can be fierce, significantly lowering the temperatures with the wind-chill factor. Summer days can be very windy with temperatures from 60 - 70 degrees Farenheit.
Skagway at a Glance:
Skagway is located at the northern end of the Inside Psssage. The Time Zone is the Alaska Daylight Time, a four hour difference from Eastern Standard Time. The curreny is the U.S. dollar and the population is 800.
