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Valdez,AK - Valdez-Cordova County - c1895 - Valdez Photograph :

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Photographic Images Start Price:100.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 300.00 USD
Valdez,AK - Valdez-Cordova County - c1895 - Valdez Photograph :
Cabinet card looking down a snow covered main street in Valdez with several men, boys, and sleigh teams in the center of the frame and snow covered peaks providing a powerful background. The image measures 6 1/2" x 5", mounted on a dark green matte measuring 9" x 7". Contrast is high while focus is good. Visible signage includes "The Nizina," "Valdez Market," and "Laundry." Some fading is noted along the left border, and several spots and one blemish are visible on the top right and left edge. The matte has worn areas on two of its corners along with one blemish near the lower left corner. "Valdez" written in pencil on reverse. Etched lightly on bottom border is "L.C. Larson, Valdez." This might be Louis Larson, who was a stereo photographer with a studio at 1322 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, 1896 [Ref: Mautz]. Few lived in Valdez until the winter of 1897-98 when gold-seekers used Valdez on the "All-American Route" over the glacier to the interior. While some prospected the Copper River Basin, others continued on to the Klondike. The route used an inaccurate description by US Army Lt. William Abercrombie, who probably never traversed the trail on his 1884 Copper River Expedition. It was, however, advertised all over the US as an established, preexisting trail. It was therefore a surprise to would-be miners on their arrival to find no town and no. A tent city began at the head of the bay, and Valdez was born. About four thousand gold-rushers came through Valdez that year, and some stayed to open businesses while others made it over the glacier. Going over the glacier was difficult, and some died in the the attempt. Goods were transported on people-pulled sleds, with as many as 20 trips back and forth needed for a year's worth of supplies. The winter of 1898-99 was particularly bad, as many suffered from scurvy or inadequate supplies. Rescue missions organized by prospectors moved the sick out of the interior and back to Valdez [Ref: valdezalaska.org/history/shortHistoryValdez.html].