Along Gastineau Channel across from downtown Juneau, the resilient alder trees grow, a sign that the earth was disrupted here years ago. If you look more closely, you will see rubble, rusted over pieces, and the ruins of a world now crumbling in the forest. Treadwell Historic Trail runs along Gastineau Channel across from downtown Juneau and the ruins of this incredible historic mine tell a tale of industry, civilization, disaster and abandonment. It’s mind blowing to think that these bits of antique machinery were once part of the largest gold mine in the world! Visit the Treadwell Historic Trail to see the site of a giant of industry from Alaska’s past.

The Treadwell Mine is on the south side of Douglas Island, half a mile east of downtown Douglas and southeast of downtown Juneau.
Joseph/Flickr
In 1880, prospectors discovered gold in Silver Bow Basin which brought waves of prospectors to the Douglass, including John Treadwell.
jcsullivan24/Flickr
The mines employed up to 2,000 miners from 17 countries over the period from From 1882 to 1922.
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The Treadwell Mine was the biggest and most profitable hard-rock gold-mining operation in the world and had a healthy town that supported the workers and their families.
omoo/Flickr
In the heyday of the mine, there were five mills with over 960 stamps in continuous operation, closing down only on Christmas and the Fourth of July.
jcsullivan24/Flickr

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In 1917, the mine started leaking and was evacuated. Hours later the mine collapsed. No humans died, but 12 horses and a mule were lost in the cave-in.
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Mining continued until 1922 in a limited capacity.
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Treadwell Historic Preservation & Restoration Society maintains trails and signs with information about the site.
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The mine was near Douglas Island's Sandy Beach. The remains of Treadwell Mine Pumphouse stands tall, watching the sea.
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The Treadwell Mine Historic Trail is a a piece of Alaskan history, and a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.
jcsullivan24/Flickr

Visit the ruins of the Treadwell Mines to see a part of Alaskan history.

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