Gold Creek, known in Lingít as Dzantikʼihéeni, was the site where gold was discovered in 1880, directly triggering the rush that led to Juneau’s founding that same year. Chief Kowee guided Joe Juneau and Richard Harris to the creek, and on 4 October 1880 they made the first placer claims there. Claiming and mining expanded rapidly, with dozens of claims registered by early 1881 and increasingly industrial operations following soon after. Later mines became part of major companies within the Juneau gold belt. The creek’s importance rests on its central role in the discovery that gave rise to Alaska’s capital and a major regional mining district.

Photo: Wikipedia · Public domain

Juneau, Alaska · USA