History of Skagway
The history of Skagway is one that spans for centuries. In prehistoric times the area was inhabited by the indigenous Tlingit people who were successful traders. In 1896, gold was found at Klondike in the Yukon Territory, Canada. This attracted a large number of miners and this led to the eventual dramatic increase in population which shot up to about thirty thousand people; mainly American. In the late 1890s, Skagway became Alaska’s most populous city.
The events that followed from the beginning of the Klondike Gold Rush were significant factors that contributed to the future development of the town. After disagreements involving injustice towards the miners, a town council was established. From 1897 to 1898 the town was in the absence of proper laws. Right before the turn of the 20th century, Skagway’s economy started to endure a rapid decline.
Skagway became Alaska’s first city in 1900. In the same year, the White Pass and Yukon Route rail was completed, connecting Skagway and Whitehorse. Other important historical events includes: the 1903 settlement of the International Boundary dispute, the mid 1920s and early 1930s tourism boom, the 1942 Skagway invasion by American Army troops, the 1967 Skagway River floods, the 1982 depression after the closing of railroads, etc.