What does WPY mean in RAILROADS
WPY is an acronym used to refer to the White Pass and Yukon Route, a railway line that operated in the late 19th century in Canada. The route extended from Skagway, Alaska, over the Coast Mountains and into the Yukon Territory in Canada. It was built after a massive gold rush to facilitate transportation of goods for prospectors and miners. Despite its short life, the route played an important role in opening up North America’s domestic markets to international trade.
WPY meaning in Railroads in Regional
WPY mostly used in an acronym Railroads in Category Regional that means White Pass and Yukon Route
Shorthand: WPY,
Full Form: White Pass and Yukon Route
For more information of "White Pass and Yukon Route", see the section below.
Background
In 1897, gold was discovered near present-day Dawson City, Yukon Territory. This discovery sparked a massive gold rush that spanned both sides of the border between Alaska and Canada. With thousands of fortune seekers pouring into northern locations such as Skagway, Alaska, and Bennett Lake, British Columbia, there was an urgent need for a more efficient method of transportation than conventional boats or mules could provide. The White Pass & Yukon Route began operation in 1900 with nearly completed tracks over the coastal mountains connecting Skagway with Bennett Lake / Carcross on one side and Whitehorse on the other through White Pass summit at 1,290m (4255 ft).
Built by American Entrepreneurs
The building of WPY was financed by two prominent Seattle businessmen - Martin Burmeister and Michael J. Heney - despite opposition from both Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and Great Northern Railway (GNR). To fulfill their goal in building WPY quickly, they employed Chinese laborers who had recently arrived in Skagway due to increased immigration tensions in China following the conclusion of Boxer Rebellion. Those laborers worked tirelessly under extreme weather conditions as temperatures dropped as low as -30°F (-34°C) during peak winter months when much of work had to be done manually since heavy machinery was not available at that time.
Financial Challenges
Despite successful completion of construction within two years time frame initially proposed by Burmeister and Heney (with assistance from crews sent by CPR), WPY faced several financial challenges -- most crucially being rising debts from loans taken during construction period - which eventually forced it to seek partnerships with larger railroads such as GNR or CPR soon after its opening. In 1980s corporate takeover created parent company called Arctic Transportation Services which eventually sold all assets to government agency Alaska Railroad Corporation before full closure of service due to worsened financial conditions coupled with falling ridership caused by further introduction of air transport options.
Legacy
Though WPY experienced short life span until its closure 1983 (due partially caused by downturns encountered throughout later parts of 20th century), it left legacy which still remains visible today – most notably being preservation part-way along original track length as far as Bennett Lake/Whitehorse where tourists can take scenic train rides similar those heading towards historic sites such Yakutat Bay where one can still view small portion original WPY track system winding way towards its terminal point.
Essential Questions and Answers on White Pass and Yukon Route in "REGIONAL»RAILROADS"
What is White Pass and Yukon Route?
White Pass and Yukon Route (WP&YR) is a historic Canadian and US railway originally connecting the port of Skagway, Alaska, with the interior of British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. It was built between 1898 and 1900 by the White Pass & Yukon Railway Company during the Klondike Gold Rush to aid in the transportation of goods to and from Canada’s vast northern territories.
Who built WP&YR?
White Pass & Yukon Railway Company constructed WP&YR in 1898 to 1900.
What type of terrain does WP&YR cover?
WP&YR covers a variety of rugged terrain including glacier-covered mountain passes, pristine fjords, lush forestlands, and alpine meadows.
What is the maximum speed for trains on WP&YR?
The maximum speed that trains on WP&YR can reach is 25 miles per hour.
When did service begin on WP&YR?
Service on WP&YR began in May 1899.
How long does it take to complete a round trip on WP&YR?
A round trip ride on WP&YR takes approximately four hours.
Where does the route start from?
The route starts from Skagway, Alaska then continues through British Columbia into the Yukon Territory before returning back to Skagway.
Are there any stops along the way?
Yes, there are several pre-planned stops along the way including Caribou Crossing, Lake Bennett Station Museum, Mile 928 Loop Overlook, Fraser Meadows Train Yard and Brackett Wagon Road before reaching its final destination at Carcross Desert station.
Does WP&Y have any special seasonal offerings or discounts for travelers?
Yes! WP&Y offers special discounts throughout different seasons such as Christmas/New Year’s fares and fall foliage trips as well as additional upgrades or exclusive packages such as Wild Train Express which includes overnight accommodations in either Whitehorse or Carcross stations before your return journey back to Skagway. Additionally, certain promotions may occur throughout the year such as seniors discount or Military Fares which offer discounted rates for certain passengers under specific circumstances.
Final Words:
Ultimately White Pass & Yukon Route played significant role during turn 19th century when thousands prospectors migrated region search riches provided thru various gold rushes dotted across entire north western corner North America continent during mid-late 1800s. Furthermore despite severe financial adversities it encountered often times throughout decades prior final closure 1983; structural engineering designs utilized during many early construction projects remain tribute triumph ingenuity creativity engineering challenge presented time while valiant efforts day laborers working under coldest temperatures imaginable will never be forgotten.
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