Skagway is on the corner of the Alaska Panhandle, a great place to leave the sea and head inland. This town was the largest in Alaska in 1898, as it is the American access point to the gold fields of the Klondike Gold Rush. People arrived in droves and then had to live together in the brutal, wild west conditions since supplying and maintaining order in town proved challenging. Most prospectors headed out to the Klondike, while some remained in Skagway and lived out their days. Many sightings of ghostly apparitions in 1890’s fashion have been reported in the historic buildings. Visit Skagway to see how life was in an older time, explore the historic buildings, and perhaps even experience a paranormal event.
Skagway started as a small village where Tlingit people had lived since time immemorial. The town name speaks of a legend of rocks in the inlet, rough winds and high seas.
In 1896, gold was discovered in the Klondike to the north in Canada's Yukon Territory. The town expanded quickly to 30,000 prospectors heading inland from the port at a rate of 1000 a week over the famed Chilkoot Trail.
Skagway has approximately 1000 residents year round and almost a million tourists visit annually on cruise ships and by plane. The town has consistently maintained many of the Gold Rush Era buildings for businesses and lodging.
Many of these buildings are said to still house specters of residents from the past. These historic buildings have had sightings of ghosts for years by many residents and visitors to Skagway.
The building that now houses the Skagway City Hall and tourism development office was built in 1899 as the City Municipal Building was the first territorial court in Alaska. The second floor, currently a museum, has been home to strange noises for decades and no one can seem to pinpoint the cause of the sounds.
This house was built in 1902 and served as a hospital, day-care and hotel before a fire in the 1980’s caused some damage. After the restoration, sightings began of the gentle apparition of a young woman. It is reported that she stands at the ends of guests beds or chat’s to guest’s children, leading many to believe she was the owner of the day care who died long ago.
This old saloon was originally built as a brothel and many claim the upstairs is haunted. The second floor was where the ladies of the line plied their trade and witnesses have reported cold spots, disembodied footsteps, a strong perfume scent, and a shimmering light. Two ghostly females seem to stay in the rooms: one is sweet and takes care of plants and another female presence here does not care much for men.
Fraternal Order of the Eagles #25 (6th and Broadway)
Built in the 1890's, this popular hall is supposedly haunted by friendly spirits. There are report that visitors have felt they are being watched and have felt cold spots in the room.
The Golden North Hotel side lies empty, but the restaurant and bar on the first floor are still open. Room 23 is reportedly haunted by a ghost called "Scary Mary" who died in the room. The legend goes that in 1898, "Klondike Ike" travelled to Skagway with his fiancé Mary. She took up residence in Room 23 while Ike headed out on the 500-mile journey to the gold fields. Mary died from pnuemonia while waiting for Ike to return from his prospecting expedition, some say while wearing her wedding dress. Reports include her specter walking the rooms and hallways, cold spots, and guests feeling like they are choking, as though reliving her last moments unable to breathe. It is also said that a ghostly light appears in Room 14 out of nowhere.
Visit the haunting town of Skagway to imagine life in the Gold Rush Era and visit the ghosts of Alaskans past. You'll never forget your journey back in time at this historic location.
