The Alaska Railroad commemorated the 100th anniversary of its 1923 golden spike moment in Nenana, Alaska, on July 15. State officials, Alaska Railroad Corporation leadership, board and representatives from Washington, D.C., joined the celebration showcasing a century of progress, impact and dedication to the community and to Alaska.
The celebration began with the opening of a time capsule buried in 1998 during the railroad’s 75th anniversary. The contents of the capsule, including photographs, letters, a gold spike and state citation, among other items, are now in the care of the city of Nenana for future display.
“Alaska is, in many respects, about a railroad. Anchorage would not have existed without the railroad. Like Alaska, in and of itself, the railroad was all about promise, hope and opportunity. What is our state motto? North to the Future. The railroad is a part of that,” said Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy.
Nenana Native Association First Chief Caroline Ketzler reflected on the past, as she commented on her family’s connection to the golden spike moment from 1923.
"There was once a young girl, who watched from the crowd as President Warren G. Harding drove that final golden spike into the ground,” Ketzler said. “That was 100 years ago to the day that my great grandmother Margaret John, at 8 years of age, watched as Nenana became the gateway to the Interior. It is an honor to relive that experience today and bear witness to what my grandmother did many years ago.”
“What the railroad really stands for is service to Alaska and Alaskans. This organization is absolutely key to the state of Alaska and I know all 700-plus employees of the Alaska Railroad are dedicated to its mission and our state,” said Alaska Railroad Corporation President and CEO Bill O’Leary.
O’Leary cut the ribbon for a new gazebo, which was donated to the Nenana community by the Alaska Railroad and will provide a vibrant gathering space for generations to come.
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) expressed his admiration for the railroad and the beauty of traveling by train.
“There is something when you experience a train ride that is just different, takes you back in time. It’s a slower time, it’s a time that allows you to enjoy things, to see things. That’s something that’s really special about this railroad. President Harding saw this, too.
Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Amit Bose made his first visit to Alaska for the celebration and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and the unprecedent rail investment in the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act.
“We need to keep working together, keep investing, not just over five years, but for the long-haul,” Bose said. “That’s how we keep spurring domestic manufacturing, job creation and economic growth. That’s how we ensure – in 20, 50 or another 100 years – rail continues to benefit places like Alaska and Americans in every region of our country.”
To top off the day, Gov. Dunleavy, Sen. Sullivan and Administrator Bose took swings at golden spikes — just like President Warren Harding did back in 1923.
“I think Alaska is a state with almost limitless potential,” O’Leary said.
Festivities around the Alaska Railroad’s centennial celebration also included an open house at the Anchorage Alaska Railroad Depot in May. A similar event is planned for Sept. 23, 2023, at the Fairbanks Railroad Depot.
