Addison Monroe Powell

Trailing and Camping in Alaska Addison Monroe Powell

"Trailing and Camping in Alaska" was written in 1909 by Addison M. Powell, an adventurer, prospector, hunter, and a former guide for Captain William R. Abercrombie's 1898 Copper River Exploring Expedition, which was one of three military expeditions organized under the direction of the Secretary of War with directives for exploring the interior of the new territory of Alaska. Powell's familiarity with the land made him a valuable addition to Abercrombie's efforts over the next several years, and brought him into contact with many men who would help to shape the future of Alaska. In the spring of 1898, Abercrombie was directed to organize his men and supplies at Valdez, on the coast, and to explore northward into the valley of the Copper River and its tributaries, and farther north to the Tanana River, seeking an all-American route from coastal Alaska to the Klondike gold fields . Powell's sub-report, which was published in Abercrombie's 1899 Government Report on the Copper River Exploring Expedition, appears as chapters of this book. The following year Abercrombie would be responsible for constructing a military road from Prince William Sound at Valdez to Eagle on the Yukon River, a route which became known as the Eagle Trail. Powell, who had been exploring and prospecting in the country, once again joined the effort as a guide and surveyor. With his little dog "Pete" following alongside his trail horse, Addison Powell helped survey and open the interior of the new Alaskan Territory at the turn of the century. As a guide for Captain Abercrombie, Powell saw the territory as few ever have: long before it was settled and criss-crossed by roads and trails. His tales of exploring, prospecting, hunting and meeting the many characters of the northland along the way make this an interesting and illuminating record of the hardships, trials, joys and adventures faced by those who explored the Last Frontier.