Alaska Gold Mines Co.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Gold mining |
| Founded | 1911 |
| Founder | Joseph Gilbert, Col. W. J. Sutherland |
| Defunct | 1934 |
| Fate | Acquired by Alaska Juneau Mining Company |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | Alaska, United States |
Key people | Bartlett L. Thane (Managing Director), Charles Hayden (President), Robert Semple (Excavation Supervisor), Daniel C. Jackling (Managing Director), Charles E. Bruff (Machinery Installation) |
Number of employees | 900 (1913) |
The Alaska-Gastineau Mining Co. maintained its headquarters at 25 Broad Street, New York City. This company functioned as the operational arm for Alaska Gold Mines Co. in Alaska, overseeing the Alaska-Gastineau (Perseverance) Mine located within the Silver Bow Basin, roughly four miles from Juneau. Ore was processed at a refurbished mill and crushing facility situated at Sheep Creek. The property owned by Alaska Juneau Gold Mining Co. lay directly west of the Alaska Gastineau holdings.
History
At the turn of the 20th century, Joseph Gilbert secured the Perseverance claims and partnered with Col. W. J. Sutherland to establish the Alaska Perseverance Mining Co., which initiated milling activities in 1907. By 1910, this enterprise reorganized into the Alaska-Gastineau Mining Co., officially incorporating in New York in 1911. In 1912, the Alaska Gold Mines Co. was created as a financing entity to support extensive mine development commencing that July.
The mill, constructed in Thane, Alaska, was designed by George Bradley, recognized for his work on the Utah Copper Company mill as well. Excavation efforts began in November 1913 under the supervision of Robert Semple, while construction oversight was managed by Daniel C. Jackling as managing director. Following 1910, Bartlett L. Thane—an innovator in Juneau’s hydroelectric power—assumed the role of managing director. Machinery installation was overseen by Charles E. Bruff, and company leadership was headed by President Charles Hayden.
By 1913, approximately 900 employees worked for the company. The initial segment of the reduction plant commenced operations early in 1915 and achieved a daily ore crushing capacity of 4,000 tons by mid-year. In 1934, all assets and properties of Alaska-Gastineau Mining Co. were acquired by Alaska Juneau Mining Company.
Holdings
By 1915, ownership extended over 2,166 acres, including 1,672 acres designated as lode claims, 219 acres of placer claims, and 275 acres allocated to millsites and homesteads. The mining claims consisted of four principal groups—"Alaska Perseverance," "Ground Hog," "Silver Bow Basin," and "Sheep Creek"—encompassing a lode system stretching more than two miles in length. Additionally, the company possessed a 310-acre mill site along Gastineau Channel, as well as lands containing reservoirs, power plant locations, and rights-of-way across Salmon Creek, Annex Creek, Carlson Creek, Granite Creek, Gold Creek, and Lurvey Creek.
Operations
The milling complex comprised four distinct sections within a large structure made of concrete and steel; however, the coarse-crushing plant was positioned on the mountainside at the railroad’s terminus, situated 125 feet above sea level. The fine-crushing facility was integrated with the concentrating mill, whose lowest level was set at an elevation of 192 feet above sea level to allow tailings to be discharged directly into Gastineau Channel.
The mines and milling operations were powered by roughly 6,000 horsepower generated from two hydroelectric plants owned by the company on Salmon Creek: one located near its mouth at sea level and another positioned at an elevation of 350 feet below nearby falls. A concrete dam stored approximately 19,000 acre-feet of water to ensure continuous operation of Pelton wheels throughout winter months.
The company store also functioned as the local post office; education was provided in a company-constructed building serving as a schoolhouse. Several private enterprises operated nearby with company approval, including a steam laundry service. While alcohol sales were forbidden on-site, beverages could be purchased in Douglas or Juneau.
Major projects
During CEO Bartlett Lee Thane's tenure, the company undertook significant infrastructure initiatives, including the construction of the Salmon Creek Dam and associated hydroelectric facilities, finalized in 1912, as well as the Annex Creek plant, completed in 1916. Both projects were designed by engineer Harry L. Wallenberg. The Salmon Creek Dam gained distinction as the inaugural thin arch dam ever constructed, with contributions from Thane’s former teammates from his football days.
Archives
- Alaska Gastineau Mining Company Annual Reports. Covering 1916–1920. Volume: 0.58 cubic feet.
- Edwin Gardner Ames Papers. Spanning 1856–1931. Approximately 70 cubic feet. Located at the Labor Archives of Washington, University of Washington Libraries Special Collections.
- Asahel Curtis photographs. Dates from 1874 to 1941. Comprises 5.46 cubic feet (13 boxes) and includes 1,678 photographic prints.
- Articles with short description
- Gold mining in Alaska
- Defunct companies based in New York City
- Non-renewable resource companies disestablished in 1934
- Non-renewable resource companies established in 1911
- 1911 establishments in New York (state)
- 1934 disestablishments in New York (state)
- Defunct mining companies of the United States
- American companies disestablished in 1934
- American companies established in 1911
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- American companies established in 1912
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment