In Pictures: Skagway, Alaska

A major staple of the Alaskan cruise, the small town of Skagway is situated at the end of Lynn Canal. Today, passengers can disembark their cruise ships at the Ore, Broadway or Railroad Docks and simply walk straight into town.

Skagway, Alaska as viewed from the upper deck of Holland America’s Zuiderdam. Nestled in the mountains, it was established during the Gold Rush in 1897. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Skagway was founded in 1897 at the height of the Gold Rush, and quickly fell under the control of Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith, a con man and gangster who set up shop in Jeff Smith’s Parlor, luring arriving prospectors in with promises of table games, women, or even a telegraph service that was a total sham, with wires that never left the building.

Along with prospectors came streets lined with brothels.  One of the most famous, the Red Onion Saloon, still exists to this day, though today it puts on a family-friendly show as a tourist attraction.

Three separate docking locations are available in Skagway. Pictured here is the furthest berthing location, the Ore Dock, along with Celebrity Infinity. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

But the gold rush disappeared as quickly as it had materialized, and Skagway was left with a population that never did approach those glory days of 1898. Still, the presence of the White Pass and Yukon railroad ensured Skagway’s existence, as did steamship passenger traffic that continued well into the 20^th century.

What I’ve always loved about Skagway is the fact that the town really hasn’t changed that much, physically, since its inception. Today, tourism is its main source of income, with cruise ships docking here between May and the end of September.

Here are some images from our trip to this picturesque Alaskan town taken on our voyage aboard Holland America’s Zuiderdam in mid-August.

The White Pass Railroad is a popular tourist attraction today, but for decades it was Skagway’s lifeline and largest source of employment. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Nestled in the valley of a mountain range, Skagway today retains its turn-of-the-century charm, albeit in a touristy sort of way. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

The general street arrangement in Skagway hasn’t changed in a century. Note the Red Onion Saloon at left. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

In just a few hours, these streets will be packed with tourists. I was off the ship at 7:30AM to get these shots! Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Numerous trails surround Skagway, including one leading to the remains of the abandoned Gold Rush town of Dyea. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

The view of Skagway, obscured by Zuiderdam’s Deck 10. Ships arriving here a century ago would have seen much the same view. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Read our installment from Skagway during our Zuiderdam Live Voyage Report. From the Deck Chair will return Monday, September 10^th!