Harold L. Wheaton, Sr. Photograph Collection, c. 1890 | Sealaska Heritage Institute Archives

Scope and Contents: This collection contains an original photograph capturing a view of a six-man crew of Wrangell Tlingit hauling goods in a dugout canoe up the Stikine River to be sold to up river miners, circa 1890. The photographer of the image is unknown, but identified individuals in the image include John Choquette, who is steering and standing in the rear of the canoe. Importantly, this image captures a unique and industrious method of employment for Wrangell residents of this time period. Since the Stikine River was a principal route to the Klondike Gold Rush in the Yukon Territory, and since Wrangell locals knew the river well and were better equipped to transport goods to isolated miners working up river, the practice of transporting goods up river proved economically viable to Wrangell residents. In essence, this image captures an important role played by Wrangell Tlingit during an interesting period of Alaska’s modern history. Also included is a copy of the image.