Click on each image to enlarge it.

    Alongside the Railroad Dock in Skagway is an impressive wall of solid granite that is home to one of the most unique art collections in Alaska. Since 1928, the crews of ships have been "autographing" this wall to commemorate their first voyage to Skagway. Though access to the dock has been severely curtailed since "9/11", passengers on the cruise ships which use the dock and off-season visitors can spend hours reading the signatures, which comprise a virtual "Who's Who" of Alaska passenger ships from the past 80-odd years.

    Space on the wall is quite limited, and as can be seen in the photo to the right, new signatories are being forced higher and higher up the wall - indeed some fancy mountain-climbing gear must have been required for some of them! Unfortunately, the collection is also slowly but surely being ruined by vandals (excuse me, "graffiti artists") who have no respect for the tradition or artwork of those who came before. Between the graffiti and the passage of time that fades all paint, the collection may be past its prime, but is still a worthwhile visit if you have the opportunity.

A Guide to Skagway