During the Klondike Gold rush three aerial tramways and several surface hoists operated over the Chilkoot Pass. These moved supplies and gear over the steep terrain. Two of the tramways are significant engineering feats and one was one of the first aerial tramways powered by electricity. These tramways and hoists were important final links to make Dyea and the Chilkoot Pass the dominant route to the interior during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush.
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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Article 1: Chilkoot Tramways and the Peterson Hoist
As thousands of stampeders headed north during the Klondike Gold Rush, they faced the challenge of moving "one ton" of goods over the towering Coast Mountains. Seeking to make this easier, and make money, a number of tramways sprang up along the Chilkoot Trail. Read more
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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Article 2: Archie Burns' Chilkoot Tramway
Archie Burns had an advantage over other stampeders - he was already in the area when the Klondike Gold Rush began. A "schemer of restless energy" he began to operate tramway systems to help stampeders move their "ton of goods" over the Chilkoot Trail. Read more
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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Article 3: The Dyea-Klondike Transportation Company Tramway
The tramway system, with its powerhouse, its cables and the small towers was erected during the winter of 1897-1898. Today this tram provides some of the most visible reminders of this part of gold rush history. Learn about the short life of the Dyea-Klondike Transportation Company's tramway. Read more
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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Article 4: Alaska Railroad and Transportation Company Tramway
The Alaska Railroad and Transportation Company was just one part of the vast Pacific Coast Steamship Company. Their tram, powered by a gasoline engine, was one tram carrying supplies up the Chilkoot Pass. Read more
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Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Article 5: The Chilkoot Railroad and Transportation Company Tramway
The Chilkoot Railroad and Transport Company advertised an efficient, integrated transportation network stretching from Dyea to Lake Lindeman. As stampeders raced to transport "a ton of goods" north, this option took some of the load off. Read more