Historic mining train on display today

JUNEAU - An electric locomotive used to haul ore at the Alaska-Gastineau mine near Juneau in the early 1900s is on display today at the Alaska State Museum downtown.

The 18-ton train will become a part of the museum's permanent collection but is on display today only, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the museum grounds.

The museum is located at 395 Whittier St., between Egan Drive and Willoughby Avenue. The event is free.

The mine in Sheep Creek, south of Juneau, was one of the world's largest gold mines. The train, built for the mine in 1914, was used to haul ore from 13 underground levels to processing plants in Thane.

"The locomotive represents a part of history that we have never been able to preserve on a large scale," Alaska State Museum Curator Steve Henrikson said. "It will help the public to learn more about the significance of mining in Alaska's development.

After today's display, the train will be stored while plans are made for restoration and long-term exhibit.