Skagway, Alaska

Our first stop on the Alaska Panhandle is the town of Skagway. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city was 862. However, the population doubles in the summer tourist season in order to deal with the more than 900,000 visitors.

This building, built in 1899, was refaced with new driftwood a few years ago taking it back to its original glory.

Even though there are only a couple dozen streets in Skagway, you can take a leisurely guided tour through this historic borough.

Most of the buildings in the area are nearly 100 years old. Renovation includes the front and sides visible from the main street but the rear of the buildings reflect their pre-restoration state.

Some of the original buildings have been preserved and offer a glimpse of what it was like in the rough and tumble 1800's.