Rare promotional map of Alaska and the Gold Regions, published by the Northern Navigation Company of San Francisco.
In the Fairbanks Mining District inset, the map shows Wagon Roads, Tanana Mines Railroad, Tanana Electric Company Constructed Lines and Proposed Lines and the Tanana Electric Company Power Plant.
This map, printed in San Francisco by Hayden Press, illustrates the Alaskan Gold Rush, a transformative period in American history marked by the mass migration of prospectors and fortune seekers to the Klondike and Alaskan regions in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The map serves as both a navigational guide and a historical document, capturing the intricate routes and pivotal locations integral to the gold rush era.
NNCo. The "NNCo" stands for the Northern Navigation Company, a pivotal enterprise in the transportation and logistical support for miners during the Alaskan Gold Rush. This company operated steamships that facilitated the movement of people and goods, playing a crucial role in the accessibility and development of mining regions in Alaska.
Places of Significance
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Fairbanks: Marked in red on the map, Fairbanks was a central hub during the gold rush, particularly after the discovery of gold in 1902. It became a major supply center and the starting point for prospectors heading into the interior of Alaska.
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Circle: This location was a prominent mining area and a supply point for gold seekers. Situated along the Yukon River, Circle served as a key stop for steamboats and was known for its rich placer gold deposits.
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Rampart: Rampart was another significant mining town during the gold rush. It attracted many prospectors due to its location near gold-rich creeks and rivers.
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Dome City: Located near Fairbanks, Dome City was known for its mining activities, particularly around Pedro Dome, which was a site of significant gold discoveries.
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Cleary: Cleary was part of the Fairbanks Mining District and was known for its productive gold claims, drawing many miners to the area.
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Valdez: Valdez served as a crucial entry point for prospectors traveling to the interior of Alaska. It was a key location for those following the "All-American Route" to the goldfields.
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Nome: Nome, located on the Seward Peninsula, was the site of a massive gold rush in 1899, drawing thousands of prospectors to its beaches where gold was found in the sand.
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St. Michael: This port town was a significant transshipment point for supplies and miners heading to the goldfields of the interior. It was a crucial logistical hub during the gold rush.
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Unalaska: Unalaska, in the Aleutian Islands, was an important stop for ships heading to and from the goldfields. It provided a place for vessels to resupply and make repairs.
Routes: The map details several key routes used during the gold rush:
- The "Winter Trail" from San Francisco and Seattle to Valdez, continuing to Fairbanks and along the Tanana River, was a vital overland route for prospectors traveling during the harsh winter months.
- Water routes to Nome, St. Michael, and Unalaska highlight the maritime paths taken by many seeking fortune in the Alaskan goldfields.