[Video] The Abandoned Gilahina Trestle: A Symbol of Alaska's Rich History

 

The Gilahina Trestle is a historic wooden railroad trestle located in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Alaska. It was built in 1910 by the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, and it was used to transport copper ore and other goods from the Kennecott mines to the port of Cordova.

The trains that traveled across the Gilahina Trestle were narrow gauge steam locomotives, and they were used to haul a variety of goods and passengers. Copper ore was the primary cargo, but the trains also carried supplies, equipment, and passengers to and from the mines.

The Gilahina Trestle was an important transportation corridor for the Kennecott mines, and it played a vital role in the development of the region. It remains a popular destination for hikers and aviation enthusiasts, who are drawn to its history and its stunning location in the heart of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

Standing at the base of the Gilahina Trestle, you can't help but feel a sense of historial awe and wonder. The structure is massive, which rises out of the dense Alaskan forest like a phenix, and it's a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the people who built it over a century ago. The trestle, which spans the Gilahina River, was one of the most challenging and impressive feats of engineering on the entire railway.  The workers who built it had to contend with some of the most difficult and dangerous conditions imaginable. They had to contend with icy winters, sweltering summers, and the constant threat of rockslides and avalanches.

Despite the challenges, the workers persevered and completed the trestle. When it was finished, it was over 1,200 feet long and rose up over 100 feet above the river. It was a marvel of engineering, and it was a testament to the determination and hard work of the men who built it.

The Copper River and Northwestern Railway was abandoned in 1938 due to a variety of factors. One of the main reasons was the decline of the copper industry in the region. The Kennecott mines, which were the main source of traffic for the railway, had reached the end of their productive life, and there was no longer a need to transport ore to the port of Cordova.

Another factor in the abandonment of the railway was the rise of alternative transportation methods. The construction of the Richardson Highway, which connected the interior of Alaska to the coast, made it easier to transport goods by road, and the increased use of airplanes for cargo and passenger transportation also contributed to the decline of the railway.

Finally, the cost of maintaining the railway and the trestle had become prohibitively expensive, and it was no longer financially viable to keep the system in operation. As a result, the Copper River and Northwestern Railway was abandoned, and the Gilahina Trestle was left to decay.  The trestle is not actively maintained or preserved, but it is protected from development and other forms of disturbance.

The trestle is only accessible by foot or by air, and visitors are not allowed to climb on or otherwise damage the structure. This helps to preserve the trestle and prevent it from deteriorating further.

In addition to its protection as a historic site, the trestle is also preserved through its isolation and the harsh conditions of the surrounding environment. The trestle is located in a remote area of Alaska, and it is exposed to extreme weather and other natural forces. These conditions help to preserve the trestle by slowing down the process of decay. This helps to ensure that the trestle remains a valuable and unique part of Alaska's history.