Leaving Home

Exhibit: Klondike Gold Rush - The Perilous Journey North
"I am going to succeed, you bet! And this success will enable me to give my family a better home."
~ B. E. Axe, Stampeder, 1898.
B.E. Axe Papers, Manuscripts and University Archives, University of Washington Libraries.


Wilse Photo 531

"Australia" leaving Seattle for the North. Circa 1897.
~ Detail from Wilse Photo 531.

Soon after the Portland arrived, hopeful people from all walks of life abandoned their duties and left for the Klondike. Boats of all kinds sailed north out of western port cities, nearly bursting with people, gear and pack animals.

The world was in the midst of an economic depression. People rushed to the Klondike for many reasons but most went seeking wealth.