In a significant development for Alaska’s history, the golden spike that marked the completion of the Alaska Railroad over a century ago will soon be accessible to the public for the first time ever. This landmark event was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Anchorage Museum and the city of Nenana, with support from private donors and the Alaska Railroad. They successfully acquired the 14-karat gold artifact at a recent auction held by Christie’s in New York for an impressive $201,600, a sum that far exceeded the original estimate of $50,000.
Julie Decker, the director and CEO of the Anchorage Museum, expressed her excitement about this acquisition, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Nenana to share this piece of history with the public. The Golden Spike is a great piece of storytelling about place and people.” The plan is for Nenana and Anchorage to take turns displaying this historic spike, bringing together both urban and rural communities along the railroad.
Nenana Mayor Joshua Verhagen highlighted the unity this project fosters between the two communities, saying, “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 Alaska Railroad project began in 1914, connecting the port city of Seward to Fairbanks, located 470 miles inland. This federal infrastructure initiative aimed to facilitate the transport of coal and other natural resources from the interior of Alaska. The primary engineer overseeing this monumental task was U.S. Army Colonel Frederick Mears, who was later honored with the golden spike as a token of gratitude for his work.
During a ceremony on July 15, 1923, President Warren G. Harding gently tapped the spike twice before it was replaced by a standard one. After this event, the golden spike returned to Mears in Seattle, only for Harding to pass away weeks later in San Francisco.
For many years, the spike remained in private possession, owned by an anonymous seller in California since 1983. Chris June, a specialist from Christie’s, remarked on the importance of the sale, expressing pride that this vital piece of Alaskan heritage will now be available to the people of the state.
This exciting journey toward showcasing the golden spike is a proud moment for all Alaskans, marking both a celebration of their rich history and a testament to community collaboration.
