The Military in Skagway and Dyea
In 1898, Alaska's Territorial Governor, John Brady, complained to Washington
that "gamblers, thugs and lewd women" were coming up Lynn Canal and taking
control of Skagway and Dyea. Washington was receiving complaints of boundary
and customs violations in the White Pass area. At the end of February,
1898, soldiers of the 14th Infantry arrived in Skagway to maintain order.
They remained in Alaska for 15 months. In May of 1899, they were relieved
by Company L of the 24th Infantry, one of the U.S. Army's four black units.
Aside from peacekeeping, Company L's principal duty in Skagway was to
"show the flag," to maintain a government presence near the border. The
black soldiers spent three years in the area. Their good discipline and
appearance made a favorable impression on all with whom they came in contact.
During the Gold Rush era, the Army opened 6 posts around Alaska to keep
order among the gold seekers.
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Used with
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Gold Rush Centennial Task Force, State of Alaska.
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