Anchorage Museum and City of Nenana Announce Historic Acquisition of Alaska’s Golden Railroad Spike 
Iconic piece of Alaska’s railroad heritage finally comes home

 Jan. 24, 2025

NENANA and ANCHORAGE Alaska – The Anchorage Museum and the City of Nenana announce the acquisition of Alaska’s Golden Spike, a historic artifact that has been out of Alaska for nearly a century. The Golden Spike, once presented as a gift from the City of Anchorage to Colonel Fredrick Mears in recognition of his role in constructing the Alaska Railroad, has now been secured through a collaborative bid at an auction held by Christie’s today. This acquisition by the Anchorage Museum and the City of Nenana ensures that this piece of Alaska’s history will be held in the public trust and accessible for future generations. 

The Golden Spike was part of the celebration of the completion of the Alaska Railroad in 1923 and was auctioned by Christie’s as part of their Americana event. The City of Anchorage presented this solid 14K gold spike to Colonel Frederick Mears, one of the chief engineers tasked with connecting Fairbanks and Seward through the newly founded Anchorage. It was loaned to President Harding for use during the ceremony held on July 15, 1923, near Nenana to mark the railroad's completion. The acquisition connects Anchorage, Nenana, and the railroad once again. 

The shared vision is to preserve and display the spike so that Alaskans and visitors can learn about its significance in the state’s history. “We are thrilled to partner with Nenana to share this piece of history with the public,” said Julie Decker, Anchorage Museum Director/CEO. “The Golden Spike is a great piece of storytelling about place and people.”  

“The City of Nenana is extremely excited and appreciative of this partnership with the Anchorage Museum,” said Nenana Mayor Joshua Verhagen. “I think it's a neat story of an urban and a rural community both along the rail belt coming together for a worthy cause. I look forward to working together and tying our communities together once again with this same Golden Spike.”  

The acquisition was funded with support from the Alaska Railroad and private contributions. The Anchorage Museum and the City of Nenana will alternate exhibiting the spike.  

A Century-Old Symbol of Alaska’s Railroad Heritage 

• A Gift with Monumental Significance: The spike was originally presented to Col. Fredrick Mears, who oversaw the construction and completion of the Alaska Railroad, including the ambitious single-span trestle bridge crossing the Tanana River at Nenana. Today known as the Mears Memorial Bridge, this critical span allowed for the final connection of the Alaska Railroad in 1923. 
  
  
• Presidential Milestone: On July 15, 1923, President Warren Harding famously drove this very “final spike” into the rails at the Mears Memorial Bridge in Nenana—marking the only time a sitting U.S. President has driven a railroad spike, and the first time a U.S. President ever visited Alaska. 
  
  
• Rare Public Appearances: With the exception of brief exhibitions in Fairbanks (1967) and Anchorage (2001), the Golden Spike has largely remained out of public view for 100 years. Its most recent appearance at auction was in 1983, making this acquisition a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure it for the people of Alaska. 

Securing History for Future Generations 
Returning the Golden Spike to public ownership ensures that this significant piece of American and Alaskan history is preserved and accessible for the next century. The Anchorage Museum and the City of Nenana are committed to highlighting the stories behind the spike’s extraordinary journey. 

### 

About the Anchorage Museum The Anchorage Museum shares the art, history, culture, and stories of Alaska and the North from diverse perspectives through exhibitions, public programs, and community projects focused on people, place, planet, and potential. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, the museum sits on the traditional homeland of the Eklutna Dena’ina. Learn more at www.anchoragemuseum.org.

About the City of Nenana Located at the confluence of the Nenana and Tanana Rivers, Nenana is a historic railroad town and home to the iconic Mears Memorial Bridge. Renowned for its role in interior Alaska’s transportation and cultural heritage, Nenana continues to celebrate its history as a vital hub and gateway to the Interior.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Janet Asaro Chief Communications Officer, Anchorage Museum
Joshua Verhagen Mayor, City of Nenana