Palmer Station 8:47 P.M.

The original railroad ran through the Matanuska Valley to transport gold from Chickaloon to Knik on the Cook Inlet and then by boat to Seattle.

In 1935 the township of Palmer was established to support the over 200 families that were transplanted here to form the Matanuska Colonies. Other than dogsleds and winter trail by foot, the railroad was initially the only means of transportation out of the Valley to Anchorage.

As the Chickaloon gold mines played out and as automobile roads were established the rails became silent.

The Palmer Station and the water tower were original structures built in 1935 for the colonists. Nearby the township road grid and many colony houses still stand.

Oh, I almost forgot. My assignment today: Shoot what you like, what interests you. Tell your friends the story, make them interested too.

Palmer Station, Alaska (google maps)