The “Treadwell Express” narrow gauge railway eventually ran from the Douglas Sawmill (built in 1884 – 14 years before Skagway’s White Pass and Yukon railroad) to the Ready Bullion Mine transporting freight, heavy equipment, ore, and miners around the mining complex. There was approximately six total miles of track. Rail is visible in numerous places on the historic site. Two 7-ton mine locomotives were manufactured by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, and both coal and flat-cars were used.
“A small locomotive arrived on the Ancon for the Alaska Mill & Mining Company and will be used to haul ore from the mine to the mill. This is believed the first locomotive in Alaska.”
Douglas Island News, August 9, 1888