A golden spike, a symbol of the Alaska Railroad’s completion, is set to be auctioned. This historic piece, weighing nearly a pound, has captured the attention of Alaskans. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

A golden spike, a symbol of the Alaska Railroad’s completion, is set to be auctioned. This historic piece, weighing nearly a pound, has captured the attention of Alaskans.
Christie’s Images via AP

President Warren G. Harding drove the golden spike into the final coupling of the railroad over 100 years ago. This act marked the beginning of a new era in Alaska’s development, opening access to its abundant natural resources.

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The 14-karat gold spike, valued at $50,000, has been privately owned since 1983. For decades, it has been outside Alaska, but now two local institutions are working together to bring it home.

The Anchorage Museum, supported financially by the Alaska Railroad, plans to bid on this iconic artifact during Christie’s Important Americana auction in New York. Aaron Leggett, senior curator of Alaska history and Indigenous cultures at the museum, emphasized the spike’s significance. “This golden spike is a cornerstone of Alaska’s history and identity,” he said.

A Golden Spike: Symbol of Alaska’s Railroad Legacy

The Alaska Railroad was built between 1914 and 1923, connecting Seward, a port city on the south-central coast, with Fairbanks, located 470 miles inland. This massive project had a profound impact on Alaska’s development, shaping its economy and paving the way for modern infrastructure.

Frederick Mears, a civil engineer who had previously worked on the Panama Canal, oversaw the railroad’s construction. He received the golden spike as a gift from Anchorage in recognition of his leadership. Later, it was used in President Harding’s ceremonial visit to Nenana in 1923.

Harding’s visit to Alaska was historic, as he was the first sitting U.S. president to visit the territory. Tragically, just days after this milestone event, he died from a heart attack while returning to Washington, D.C.

The railroad not only facilitated the transportation of coal and other resources but also helped establish communities along its route. Today, 75% of Alaska’s population lives near the railroad’s corridor, which remains a vital link between Seward and Fairbanks.

Why A Golden Spike Belongs Back in Alaska?

The golden spike represents more than just a ceremonial artifact—it is a symbol of Alaska’s journey from a rugged wilderness to a thriving state. Bringing this spike back to Alaska would restore a piece of history that has been missing for decades.

The Alaska Railroad itself has played a critical role in the state’s development. Before its construction, much of Alaska’s interior was inaccessible. The railroad connected remote areas, enabling trade and growth that would have otherwise been impossible.

Even today, Alaska has few highways, making the railroad an essential part of its transportation network. Its economic impact continues to shape the state, supporting industries from tourism to freight.

Anchorage, now Alaska’s largest city, owes its existence to the railroad’s decision to establish headquarters there. The city grew from a muddy settlement along Ship Creek into a bustling urban center.

Leggett highlighted the importance of reclaiming the spike, saying, “This artifact is a tangible reminder of the challenges and triumphs that shaped Alaska.” The Anchorage Museum and Alaska Railroad hope to win the auction and preserve this iconic piece of history.

Bringing the golden spike back to Alaska would honor the legacy of those who built the railroad and celebrate its ongoing role in the state’s development. Alaskans eagerly await the auction results, hoping to see this historic artifact return to its rightful home.

Source: ktar.com

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