A Trip to Alaska and the Klondike in the Summer of 1905 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1906 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. I found Sitka the most interesting place in Alaska. It does not attract the gold hunter, as 'rich strikes" have not been made in its vicinity, but to the tourist the historic interest adds much to the charm of its beautiful situation. It is nestled at the foot of great snow-draped mountains, which surround it on three sides; before it stretches the baydotted with sixty islands, making a setting of great beauty, and adding to the attractiveness of the place. On the slopes of the mountains are evidences of recent glacial action. The moving glacier, I was told, cuts down large trees as though they were straws, leaving a track as clean as a closely-cropped pasture. The Russian Governor formerly had his residence here, and it is said lived in splendor in his mansion of logs on Capitol Hill, a picturesque knob or mound rising from the water's edge to a height of less than a hundred feet. From their windows, the old Governors must have enjoyed some gorgeous sunsets, ere their country parted with the historic building, about which tradition has woven many an interesting romance. The structure has, unfortunately, been destroyed by fire, after having been gradually denuded of the rich interior furnishings t left by the retiring Russians. The building was never occupied by the representatives of the United States. The present Governor, Mr. John G. Brady, is content to live with his fellows in the town in true democratic fashion. Here he has his official residence belonging to the Government, but proudly shows to visitors his vegetable garden in the rear of his private residence on the edge of the town, where he has carefully cultivated such crops as may be seen in the States. These he exhibits as a sample of what can be done in Alaska. But the climate of S...