Page 63 - Skagway Virtual Guide

Skagway WALKING TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
1 The former White Pass and Yukon Railroad Depot.
This massive, colorful structure, built in 1898, was a dominant part of Skagway life until
1969, when railroad operations moved to the WP&YR’s new building two doors east. The old depot is now the National Park Service Visitor Center, where visitors can enjoy movies and other activities during the summer. Although the tracks are now on the south side of the building, passenger trains used to chug down Broadway on their way into town from Whitehorse, 112 miles to the north. Note the second story bay window overlooking Broadway, once used by the railroad dispatcher. Also note the much fancier yellow-colored Administration Building. Built in 1900, today it houses the NPS Gold Rush Museum.
2 Jeff Smith’s Parlor
One of Skagway’s best-known characters, for better or worse, was Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith. Here is his saloon, Jeff Smith’s Parlor,
still looking much as it did during gold rush days. Smith, the last of the big-time western bad men, was a con man who took over Skagway during the winter of 1897-98. He landed here with only a few confederates, but through a combination of skill and guile he soon controlled an underworld of more than 200 gamblers, swindlers and thugs. His power seemed almost limitless until July
8, 1898. On that fateful day, he and surveyor Frank Reid shot it out on one of the town’s docks. “Soapy” was killed instantly. A hundred wild stories have been attributed to Smith, most of them true. His saloon was originally located on 6th Avenue; it was moved here in 1964.
The pioneer scene before you has not
changed much since the time of the gold rush “stampeders.” For the next two blocks, almost every building you see was constructed between 1897 and 1900.
3 The Red Onion Saloon
It was built in 1898 at the corner of 6th and State, as a saloon, dance hall and bordello.
When it was moved here in 1914, the movers somehow installed it backwards, putting the
rear of the structure on Broadway. The upstairs has changed little since the time when it was frequented by turn-of-the century “working girls.” The mannequins looking down from the second story windows help preserve the old era.
4 The Arctic Brotherhood Hall
In times past, it was a fraternal hall; the local chapter of the Brotherhood first met here in August 1899. (Step across the street, and you’ll notice the letters “A.B.” and the “1899” above the door, and “Camp Skagway No. 1” on the overhang. The organization’s symbol, a gold
pan and nuggets, is up near the roof line). The facade, which dates from 1900, has been called a prime example of Victorian Rustic Architecture. Charley Walker and his fellow lodge members collected over 8,800 driftwood sticks on the shores of Skagway Bay and nailed them to the front wall. The Brotherhood, which remained active into the 1920s, once entertained President Warren G. Harding. The building is currently the home of the Explore Skagway, The Municipality of Skagway's Visitor Department.
The outside façade underwent a restoration during the winter of 2004-2005. All of the 8,883 pieces of driftwood on the front of the building were removed. Forty percent (3,533) had rotted and were replaced, while sixty percent (5,300) were still able to be preserved over one hundred years later.
5 The Golden North Hotel
Now home to several retail stores, started operating during the Gold Rush. Built by the Klondike Trading Company in 1898 it was originally a two story building. George Dedman and a business partner purchased the building following the Gold Rush. It was moved to its present location in 1908. At this time the third
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