1903

Alaska Central Railway construction begins. (It becomes the Alaska Railroad in 1915 when the U.S. Government takes over the project.)

IMAGES:

1. Driving first spike on Seward Dock for Alaska Central Railroad, 1904 (Alaska Railroad Collection; Anchorage Museum, B1979.002.2503)
2. The Loop, designed by Frank Bartlett, to bypass a glacier and steep grades through the Kenai Mountains. (Courtesy of the Anchorage Museum)
3. Excursion Train enroute to Placer River Valley, 1906, (Courtesy of Alaska State Library, Feaster Family Collection, P349-040)
4. Alaska Central Railway’s First Engine (Courtesy of the Anchorage Museum, Alaska Railroad Collection; Anchorage Museum, B1979.002.4813)
5. Close-up view of Alaska Central Railway construction on Turnagain Arm. (Resurrection Bay Historical Society 701.1.40)
6. Teams freighting supplies to construction camps on Alaska Central Railway. Case and Draper photo. (Resurrection Bay
   Historical Society 701.1.70)