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38 results for: Klondike-Alaska Gold Rush

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Image of Dice cup, ca. 1895

Dice cup, ca. 1895

When the Klondike Gold Rush hit Seattle starting in 1897, thousands came through the city on their way to Alaska. Merchants across the city clamored to “mine the miners” by selling supplies needed to brave the cold. While local saloons and gaming rooms offered inviting places to spend their money on the way to and from Alaska. This dice cup…
ID Number:1966.3908.3
Date:Circa 1895
Image of Souvenir pin from the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (AYPE), 1909

Souvenir pin from the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (AYPE), 1909

This pin is a souvenir of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition (AYPE), a world's fair held in Seattle in 1909. It publicized the development of the Pacific Northwest and positioned Seattle as a gateway to Alaska and the Pacific Rim. The pickaxe, shovel, and gold nuggets were reminders of Seattle’s prosperity from the Alaska Gold Rush of 1897.
ID Number:1967.4328.1
Date:1909
Image of Dice, ca. 1895

Dice, ca. 1895

When the Klondike Gold Rush hit Seattle starting in 1897, thousands came through the city on their way to Alaska. Merchants across the city clamored to “mine the miners” by selling supplies needed to brave the cold. While local saloons and gaming rooms offered inviting places to spend their money on the way to and from Alaska. This set of…
ID Number:1969.4590.5
Date:Circa 1895
Image of Three stained glass panels from Seattle's Arctic Club, ca. 1907

Three stained glass panels from Seattle's Arctic Club, ca. 1907

Seattle's Arctic Club was originally established in 1907 as a "social club" for successful businessmen with ties to the Gold Rush or Alaskan connections. This stained glass mural once graced the front of the Arctic Club and celebrates the intrepid sled dog, the fastest and safest way to carry cargo and trek the wintry regions of the north.
ID Number:1972.5300
Date:Circa 1900
Image of Painted ceramic Potlatch

Painted ceramic Potlatch "Bug" souvenir, ca. 1911

This Potlatch “Bug” is a souvenir of the Golden Potlatch, a city-wide festival first held in July of 1911. It was organized by civic boosters who were hoping to capitalize on the success of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition of 1909. The organizers called themselves the Tilikums of Elttaes (Tilikum is "Friends" in Chinook Jargon; Elttaes is Seattle spelled backward). They were…
ID Number:1972.5567.46
Date:1911
Image of Souvenir pennant from the Seattle Tilikum Potlatch, 1914

Souvenir pennant from the Seattle Tilikum Potlatch, 1914

The Golden Potlatch was a city-wide festival first held in July of 1911. It was organized by civic boosters who were hoping to capitalize on the success of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition of 1909. The organizers called themselves the Tilikums of Elttaes (Tilikum is "Friends" in Chinook Jargon; Elttaes is Seattle spelled backward). They were a fraternal, civic organization composed primarily…
ID Number:1980.7094.317
Date:1914
Image of Cannon from Imperial Russian Navy sidewheel gunboat, the POLITKOFSKY, ca. 1850s

Cannon from Imperial Russian Navy sidewheel gunboat, the POLITKOFSKY, ca. 1850s

Built by the Russians in Sitka, the POLITKOFSKY came under United States ownership in 1867 when Russian Alaska was sold to the US. The gunboat was then sold into civilian service as a tugboat, POLLY, working the northwest coast of North America until 1896. It was then converted to a schooner barge and carried eager gold seekers to Alaska during…
ID Number:1980.7094.423
Date:Circa 1850
Image of Seattle Golden Potlatch banner, ca. 1911-1940

Seattle Golden Potlatch banner, ca. 1911-1940

Seattle's first Golden Potlatch was celebrated in 1911. Its organizers, a group of prominent businessmen, wanted to promote the city in hopes of continuing the boomtimes of the Gold Rush, and the attention drawn by the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. They expected the festival to rival New Orleans' Mardi Gras and Portland's Rose Festival. For a week, residents and visitors enjoyed…
ID Number:2003.9.50
Date:1911-1940
Image of Playing cards featuring

Playing cards featuring "White Pass & Yukon Route," 1900

When the Klondike Gold Rush hit Seattle starting in 1897, thousands came through the city on their way to Alaska. Merchants across the city clamored to “mine the miners” by selling supplies needed to brave the cold. While local saloons and gaming rooms offered inviting places to spend their money on the way to and from Alaska. These playing cards…
ID Number:2005.8.9
Date:1900
Image of Set of gold scales used by Clarence Kinsey during the 1898 Gold Rush at Bonanza Creek, Yukon Territory

Set of gold scales used by Clarence Kinsey during the 1898 Gold Rush at Bonanza Creek, Yukon Territory

These gold scales were originally owned by Clarence Kinsey, a local photographer along with his brother and partner, Clark, who were noted for their photographs of the early logging industry in the Pacific Northwest. Before settling in Washington, Kinsey used these scales during the gold rushes at Bonanza Creek in 1898, and Haggart Creek in 1911, both located in the…
ID Number:2010.57.1
Date:Circa 1898
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