J. Craig Thorpe (American, B. 1948) "Alaska Locomotive" Signed lower right. Original Mixed Media painting on Paper.

Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation.

This painting is the original which appeared on the Fleetwood Legendary Locomotives of the 50 States Alaska Commemorative Cover postmarked August 15, 1995.

August 15, 1900, marks the completion of Alaska's first rail route -- the White Pass & Yukon Railway. Construction of the 110-mile circuit between Skagway, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, began on May 27, 1898. The following July, an excursion train ran for four miles out of Skagway, and a year later the line extended to Bennett, British Columbia. In August 1900, at a cost of about $10 million, the entire railway was finally completed. A river division was established in 1901, connecting mining towns to the line by steamship. An aviation division was added in 1937 to fly passengers north of its northernmost stop at Whitehorse. When America entered World War II, the White Pass & Yukon was pressed into service by the U.S. Army. Vital to the construction of the Alcan Highway and to the movement of military cargo, the line saw traffic rise to a level far beyond any seen during the mining booms. Eventually, additional locomotives were brought in from across the country to meet the demands of the increased service. On May 1, 1946, the White Pass & Yukon returned to civilian use. The completion of a highway parallel to the railway, and reduction in output of the Anvil Mine in the Yukon Territory, brought the line to a close on October 8, 1982, although a portion of it has been reactivated for tourist service. Shown here is White Pass & Yukon's No. 1, a 2-6-0 type built by the Brooks Locomotive Works in 1881. Today, this engine is on display in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory.

Image Size: 14 x 12 in.
Overall Size: 18 x 15 in.
Unframed.
(B15152)

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