Thousands of new workers moving to town. A big influx of money. A small startup that would grow to become a major player in retail.
Nope, this isn’t the Amazon boom. We’re talking about Seattle in 1897.
We stopped by the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Pioneer Square to learn how a gold strike that occurred more than 1,500 miles away transformed Seattle’s oldest neighborhood, launched a few businesses you probably recognize, and helped to create the city we know today. Turns out, it all started with a wild marketing scheme.
But don’t take our word for it. Museum curator Tarin Erickson has the full story in our video.
QUOTABLE: “We always get asked if we have Klondike bars for sale — which we do not, sadly.” —Tarin
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED: The Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. And yes, they will teach you how to pan for gold.