Skagway, Alaska
Nicknamed the “Gateway to the Klondike,” Skagway, Alaska, was a gold rush boomtown at the end of the 19th century, after gold was found in the Yukon Territory. Situated at the head of a convenient path to the region, the town became Alaska’s first incorporated city and saw thousands of prospectors passing through on their journeys. The famous Jack London novel The Call of the Wild is set in Skagway at this time.
Since the end of the gold rush, the population of Skagway has dwindled to less than a thousand, but the area retains a healthy tourism economy based on the town’s history and its cruise ship port, which accounts for three quarters of its annual visitors. A number of museums and historical attractions can be found throughout the town, and visitors can also hike the surrounding natural landscape, enjoying beautiful scenery like the views featured in this video.
Peter White is an English smooth jazz guitarist who played with several artists, including a 20-year span as accompanist and writer for Al Stewart, before launching a solo career in 1990. With several Top 10 jazz albums under his belt, White is a frequent winner of the National Smooth Jazz Award for Best Guitarist.
Links
Skagway Convention & Visitors Bureau
Travel Alaska: Official State Travel Information
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Peter White Official Site