On July 15, 1923, President Warren Harding drove the “Golden Spike” at Nenana. This signified the completion of the interior Alaska Railroad. Coincidentally, this also occurred during Harding’s “Voyage of Understanding” to both Alaska and Canada.
In May, 2022, the National Park Service celebrated the 153th anniversary of the “Golden Spike”. Also known as the signal of the completion of America’s first transcontinental railroad in 1869. Not only did the railroad revolutionize transportation; it expedited the development of the Western United States.
The Voyage of Understanding
While visiting Alaska, President Harding became the first – and only – sitting president to visit Denali National Park (at the time of his visit it was known as Mt. McKinley National Park).
During the President’s trip, he sought to gain first-hand knowledge of the problems facing Alaskans and to develop the resources of Alaska.
The Alaska Railroad and Denali National Park
The completion of the government-owned Alaska Railroad was no small feat. Ultimately, it was a mixed back for Denali National Park. While the development of Interior Alaska threatened the wildlife the park was established to protect, if the park remained inaccessible to tourists Congress didn’t care. Ultimately, the railroad ended being significant for Alaska’s overall economic develop.
Harding’s Denali Legacy
Not only was Harding the only sitting President to visit Denali Park, he ended being involved in several important decisions concerning the park’s early history. In 1916, he served as a member of the Committee on Territories that hosted hearings on the establishment of Mt. McKinley National Park. As a then Ohio Senator, he listened to and questioned Charles Sheldon, James Wickersham, and other park proponents who testified. Meanwhile, as President, he went on to sign the “Sutherland Bill”, which expanded the park boundary east to the 149th meridian and Executive Orders 3617 and 3800 that withdraw a total of 2,520 acres for the purposes of national park administration.
Unfortunately, at the time of his 1923 visit, President Harding was in poor health. He died in San Francisco on his return trip from Alaska.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Info Source: NPS and AlaskaRails
Photo Source: VildaAlaska
