Western Union Telegraph Expedition - Report of R.D. Cotter, May 30, 1866
About the Project
In 1866, Western Union Telegraph Company understood the importance of using local resources to develop their business and communications plan. But, how far can a person go with dogs and a sleigh in search of trees for building telegraph poles in Alaska? From Norton Bay to Koyukuk River, R.D. Cotter went in search of spruce trees suitable for building telegraph poles. It seems not just any spruce tree will do. They had to meet a certain criteria: tall, straight, and proportional. Cotter also noted other trees such as poplar, birch, alder, and willow along the way. Join us in transcribing Cotter’s report and learn more about his expedition.
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