The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1902-11-27
RAILROAD FOR ALASKA.
Features Of the Route Described
by Engineer Atwood.
ABOUT FOUR HUNDRED MILES LONG

ABOUT FOUR HUNDRED MILES LONG
Zine VIII BE Built From Resurrec-
tion Bay Across the Snow Clad
Mountains to the Yukon GO1dRelds.
Great Coalfelds Found Near Tana~
ma River.
w. G. Atwood, chief engineer and to-
pographer Of the Alaska Central rail
way, arrived at Tacoma, Wash, a few
days ago from Alaska with news that
feasible route for this railroad has
been found from the Tanana river to
the summit of the Alaskan range, says
the New York Times. Surveys for the
entire line are now nearly complete,
and preparations are being made to
begin construction in the spring.
The projectors of the enterprise are
F. August Heinze, the Montana copper
magnate; United States Senator George
Turner Of Washington, and George w.
Dickinson, general manager Of the Ia
coma and Seattle Interurban railway
and formerly general manager Of the
Northern Pacific railway.
It is purposed to build line from
Vistuska, at the head of Resurrection
bay, southern Alaska, across the Alas
kan range and thence down the Tana-
ma valley to the Yukon. The line will
be about 400 miles long, providing an
all American railroad through the CEN
trail part of Alaska territory. This
project has no connection with the pro-
posed Valdes-Eagle railroad, which
New York men contemplate building
through the Copper river valley to the
eastward.
Engineer Atwood also reports a big
coal find. He says that on the Catwell
river, about thirty miles south of the
Tanana, there is coalfield fully 200
miles square. Along the banks Of the
river the veins extend to a depth of
1000 feet He reports deposits Of fire.
clay between the veins.
Copper sulphate was also found, the
waters Of the rivers containing so much
that fish cannot live. In carrying on
their explorations along the Tanana
the party came across gravel banks
from 300 to 5000 feet high, which were
gold bearing.
Engineer Atwood says that, while
there are many millions of dollars to be
had by hydraulic process, no prospector
could work to any advantage in the
country. Regarding the coal deposits,
he says the quality is equal to the best
found in the state Of Washington and
will coke.
One Of the most interesting state
ments made by Engineer Atwood is
that the country along the Tanana is
well timbered and has fine agricultural
possibilities. He reports that the Sec
ton he visited is alive with moose,
caribou, mountain sheep. bear and 9TH
er large game.
Owing to the mild climate on the
American side, Mr.. Atwood says, the
Canadian side Is losing many Of its
Inhabitants. A great number Of the
old timers have had their eyes on the
Tanana country for some time and say
that they will go into stock raising
there.
During the trip government telegraph
men were met arranging for the open
ing Of the Marconi system between
Fort Gibbon and the head Of the Ia
mana. Mr.. Atwood and his party trav-
eled more than 20 miles up the Ia
mana, later branching off and follow
ing the Catwell river, which leads over
to the headwaters of the Susitna river.
1t has been claimed for some years
that it would not be possible to find
pass through the mountains. The one
selected is the same as recomme ended
by the official topographer Of Captain
Glenn'S government party. 1t Is be-
tween the Catwell and Susitna rivers
and is about IL miles long and miles
| wide. Engineer Atwood says that for
greater part Of the distance it will
be only necessary to lay ties and rails
| It is announced that the mountain
terminus Of the railroad will be on the
Tanana river and the coast terminus
at Vistuska, at the head Of Resurrec-
ton bay, where a postofice has just
been established. The distance to the
Tanana will be about 800 miles. An
other 100 miles will carry the road to
the Yukon. The line follows the Tan
ana valley for greater part of the
distance.
The warm winds from the Pacific,
| blowing from Cook inlet, give the
Tanana valley it's fine climate, making
| it suitable for both stock raising AID
| agriculture. Engineer Atwood and
party were in the field from May until
September. Another party Of engi-
neers has located the line from Vistus-
tain range.