Alaska Railroad News Archives

Alaska House passes HB 65 to fund new passenger dock in Seward for tourism boost - 2/19/24 YourAlaskaLink.com

On Monday, the Alaska House took a step forward in improving the state’s tourism infrastructure, passing House Bill 65. The bill authorizes the Alaska Railroad Corporation to issue up to $135 million in revenue bonds for a major project in Seward. [More]

Alaska Railroad highlights goals for 2025, beyond - 2/15/25 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner By Jack Barnwell

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) intends to ask lawmakers to authorize a bond for a major overhaul of its Seward passenger dock. [More] If you can't see the article then email me.

Two ex-BNSF SD70MACs head to Alaska - 2/14/25 By John Combs

The ARR purchased two BNSF SD70MACs and they have arrived in Portland, OR. These should arrive in Alaska on the barge in March. .

Historic golden railroad spike will return to Alaska after Anchorage Museum and Nenana team up for purchase- 2/5/24 Anchorage Daily News By Chris Bieri

More than a century after becoming an emblem for the development of the Last Frontier, a major Alaska artifact is returning home. [More]The ARR purchased two BNSF SD70MACs and they have arrived in Portland, OR. These should arrive in Alaska on the barge in March.

The Alaska Railroad’s Golden Spike Hammered in by President Harding Will Return to Its Home State - 2/5/24 Smithosian Magazine By Sonja Anderson

On July 15, 1923, President Warren Harding hammered a golden spike into train tracks in central Alaska. It was the ceremonial final piece of the Alaska Railroad, which connected inner Alaska to the coastal city of Seward, sparking the resource-rich state’s industrial development. [More]

Anchorage Museum and City of Nenana Announce Historic Acquisition of Alaska’s Golden Railroad Spike - 2/5/24 Anchorage Museum

Anchorage Museum and City of Nenana Announce Historic Acquisition of Alaska’s Golden Railroad Spike  Iconic piece of Alaska’s railroad heritage finally comes home  Jan. 24, 2025 NENANA and ANCHORAGE Alaska – The Anchorage Museum and the City of Nenana announce the acquisition of Alaska’s Golden Spike, a historic artifact that has been out of Alaska for nearly a century. The Golden Spike, once presented as a gift from the City of Anchorage to Colonel Fredrick Mears in recognition of his role in constructing the Alaska Railroad, has now been secured through a collaborative bid at an auction held by Christie’s today. This acquisition by the Anchorage Museum and the City of Nenana ensures that this piece of Alaska’s history will be held in the public trust and accessible for future generations.  The Golden Spike was part of the celebration of the completion of the Alaska Railroad in 1923 and was auctioned by Christie’s as part of their Americana event. The City of Anchorage presented this solid 14K gold spike to Colonel Frederick Mears, one of the chief engineers tasked with connecting Fairbanks and Seward through the newly founded Anchorage. It was loaned to President Harding for use during the ceremony held on July 15, 1923, near Nenana to mark the railroad's completion. The acquisition connects Anchorage, Nenana, and the railroad once again.  The shared vision is to preserve and display the spike so that Alaskans and visitors can learn about its significance in the state’s history. “We are thrilled to partner with Nenana to share this piece of history with the public,” said Julie Decker, Anchorage Museum Director/CEO. “The Golden Spike is a great piece of storytelling about place and people.”   “The City of Nenana is extremely excited and appreciative of this partnership with the Anchorage Museum,” said Nenana Mayor Joshua Verhagen. “I think it's a neat story of an urban and a rural community both along the rail belt coming together for a worthy cause. I look forward to working together and tying our communities together once again with this same Golden Spike.”   The acquisition was funded with support from the Alaska Railroad and private contributions. The Anchorage Museum and the City of Nenana will alternate exhibiting the spike.   A Century-Old Symbol of Alaska’s Railroad Heritage  A Gift with Monumental Significance: The spike was originally presented to Col. Fredrick Mears, who oversaw the construction and completion of the Alaska Railroad, including the ambitious single-span trestle bridge crossing the Tanana River at Nenana. Today known as the Mears Memorial Bridge, this critical span allowed for the final connection of the Alaska Railroad in 1923.  Presidential Milestone: On July 15, 1923, President Warren Harding famously drove this very “final spike” into the rails at the Mears Memorial Bridge in Nenana—marking the only time a sitting U.S. President has driven a railroad spike, and the first time a U.S. President ever visited Alaska.  Rare Public Appearances: With the exception of brief exhibitions in Fairbanks (1967) and Anchorage (2001), the Golden Spike has largely remained out of public view for 100 years. Its most recent appearance at auction was in 1983, making this acquisition a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure it for the people of Alaska.  Securing History for Future Generations  Returning the Golden Spike to public ownership ensures that this significant piece of American and Alaskan history is preserved and accessible for the next century. The Anchorage Museum and the City of Nenana are committed to highlighting the stories behind the spike’s extraordinary journey.