2293

Guide for Alaska Miners Settlers and Tourists, 1902 [197045]

Currency:USD Category:Books / Antiquarian & Collectible Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Guide for Alaska Miners Settlers and Tourists, 1902 [197045]
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Extremely rare miner's guide to Alaska published by the Copper River Mining, Trading and Development co. at Valdez, Alaska, 1902, printed by Seattle Register Print. Softbound, 6 x 9 1/4", 93pp, last 3pp blank, as intended Excellent condition for a 93pp booklet, only defect is bottom of spine binding cover slightly torn (easy fix). A portion of the book is written by Major. W.R. Abercrombie, who boldly and blatantly states that Valdez has a better copper deposit than Butte. The book is profusely illustrated.

Abercrombie was quick to point out that American's thought Alaska, once known as "Seward's Folly" when it was purchased, was a vast swath of land somewhere near the North Pole with nothing to gain. Soon after, gold was discovered, but it took more than 25 years to get a "rush" going, with small mining blips in the 1870s, 80s, and 90s, until finally everyone in North America was headed for Nome or Dawson. Valdez was along the way, and it was founded in the spring of 1898.

This book has short articles on various aspects of the Valdez region, mostly about mining. There are reports by John Miller (Miller Gulch), H. Hildreth, Abercrombie and more, including annual weather reports. Gold, copper and coal deposits are all mentioned, as well as represented by photographs. The nearby Chisna gold placers are mentioned.

In 1901, it was reported that 1000 pounds of gold passed through Valdez.

"In January through March, the principal means of transportation is by dog teams." Four dogs can pull 500 pounds on a sled.

A full page map of the region is found on p51, Valdez to Dawson.

This is the only original copy of this important early Valdez mining region book that we've had in more than 40 years of business selling mining history.
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