Adventures with the other side

History   In 1901 newly graduated mining engineer student Stephen Birch traveled to Alaska through some of the harshest wilderness there was in search of mining opportunities. He has heard rumors that rich copper ore had been found in the Wrangell Mountains. Once he arrived armed with financial backing from the Guggenheim family and J.P. Morgan, Stephen Birch   bought the mine claims from the original prospectors and work began to determine how to mine the copper and then transport it out of the remote Alaskan Mountains. Abandoned Railway A town and railroad had to be built in one of the most secluded areas one could find. This is a place where in the winter the sun only shines a few hours and temperatures can easily reach 60 below 0. Equipment had to be brought in on dog sleds and in 1907; construction on the Copper River & Northwestern Railways began.    The 196-mile railroad stretched from Cordova to Kennecott and included over 40...

Edinburgh Scotland is my favorite place to travel; I just love the history there and would  love to return over and over. In fact, if I could figure out how, I would live there part time. Castle History Edinburgh   is said to be the most haunted city in Europe, perhaps that is why I love it so. Edinburgh Castle is listed as one of the most haunted places in the city, it sits on top of Castle Rock an imposing formation formed from a volcano. Records indicate that this impressive ancient fortress has been in existence and occupied by humans since the Iron age. There has been a castle here since the reign of David I who built the castle in 1130. Today Saint Margaret’s Chapel, built in the 12 th century and   located on the castle grounds is believed to be the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh.  Built by David I who was the 4 th son of Saint Margaret of Scotland, also known as Margaret of Wessex. Margaret was an English Princess and a Scottish Q...