I recently traveled to Juneau, AK for some research on obscure Alaskan railroads. The Alaska State Library and Archives were incredibly helpful in pulling materials for me. I found enough material in their catalog that I estimated I’d need a week to go through it all, but they had it so streamlined I was able to get through my list in only 4 days! Of course in the meantime I generated another list just as long of related collections, additional sources, and expanded lines of inquiry! Hopefully I can get back to Juneau again for further research. I’m almost ready to turn this into a book, although I’m still hoping to find a way to visit some of these remote locations in person for photo documentation.
I’m slowly updating my railroad page with details, photos, maps, and other documents from this archival visit as I sort through the material. In the meantime, here are a few interesting tidbits!
Courtesy of Alaska State Archives, PCA 12
Courtesy of Alaska State Archives, MS 999
Courtesy of Alaska State Archives, PCA 119
Courtesy of Alaska State Archives, PCA 119
Courtesy of Alaska State Archives, MS 39
Courtesy of Alaska State Archives, MS 999
Saveitforparts 
Any idea what projects Alaska Railroad had between 1942-45?
I’m trying to find info about my great-uncle. We were told he disappeared trapping, but I found him buried in Sitka. He lived in the Pioneer’s Home in Sitka for 26 years.
I last saw him living in Cordova in 1942. Then showed up in Sitka Pioneer’s Home in 1945. Records say he lived in Juneau before that and had a railroad workers social security number.
I’m guessing he had an accident on the job and the railroad sent him to Sitka. I’m not sure if he ever was in Juneau or if someone just pencil whipped that entry.
Any idea on accidents in those areas? So far I have not been about to find any good leads.
Thank you!