In the late 1800's, hordes of schemers and dreamers flocked to Alaska, drawn by the promise of abundant stores of gold.

The precious metal was originally discovered near Sitka in 1872. Eight years later, the state's first big gold strike made news in Juneau, when two prospectors and their Indian guide collected over 1,000 pounds of gold ore in what is now aptly named Gold Creek.

When the news hit, the resulting media onslaught and public frenzy was unlike anything that had ever been seen before. Immediately, thousands of stampeders headed north to find riches of their own. The Klondike Gold Rush consisted of men from every rung of the social ladder, including a surprisingly large number of doctors, teachers, entrepreneurs and government officials. Though they knew that their chances of striking gold were minimal at best, many were drawn by the potential for adventure. In fact, about half of the new arrivals never did any prospecting at all. Instead, they started new businesses, which ultimately led to much of Alaska's growth and economic development.

Most prospectors arrived at Skagway or nearby Dyea at the head of the Lynn Canal. While a good number never left, many headed to the Klondike River and their ultimate destination, Dawson City in the Yukon, where their dreams of gold-induced millions soon vanished.

Of those who stayed, tens of thousands found gainful employment in 1898 by signing on to build Skagway's White Pass & Yukon Route, designed to provide easier access to stampeders and prospectors. They overcame harsh climate conditions, sheer cliff walls and steep grades to create what has since been called one of the most astonishing engineering feats of the Klondike Gold Rush. This narrow gauge railroad climbs 2,885 feet in just 21 miles, with grades of nearly 4%, cliff-hanging turns, two tunnels and numerous bridges and trestles. Still active today, it ferries Alaska visitors and is considered an International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, an honor it shares with the Panama Canal, Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty.

Relive the life of a gold miner and discover gold on the "Klondike Gold Dredge and Gold Panning" excursion. View Itineraries for a complete list of cruises that visit Skagway.