Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada

When Allen, Aliy and Ryne leave the starting line of the Yukon Quest / Quest 300, they will be heading out into a historically significant area. The developement of Alaska and the Yukon Territories was largely influenced by the events that unfolded here, first in the late 1800’s and then during World War II. As they are crossing this territory, I will try to give you some history of the area they are mushing through. Whitehorse is located at the head of the navigable Yukon River. It began it’s life as a supply center for the Klondike Gold Rush in the late 1890’s and cemented its existence as the northern end of the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. It became the Territorial Capital in 1953, moved from Dawson City. For a in depth look at the history of Whitehorse, go to http://explorenorth.com/yukon/whitehorse-history.html.In 1984, the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race began. The first running was from Fairbanks to Whitehorse, along the old mail trails, Yukon River and mining trails. It took Sonny Lindner 12 days to complete the 1st running. In 2000, Aliy became the first woman to ever win the grueling 1000 mile race.