Skip to main content Skip to search results Skip to Facets & Filters

Karstens, Henry P., 1878-1955

 

Dates

  • Existence: 1878 - 1955

Biography

Henry Peter Karstens was born in Chicago in 1878. He went north during the Klondike Gold rush in 1897, working as a packer, hauling miner's supplies over the Chilkoot Pass on his back. Unsuccessful as a miner, he started a freight business hauling freight and mail by dog sled. In 1913, he was one of the first to climb Mt. McKinley with Hudson Stuck, Walter Harper and Robert Tatum. In 1921, he became the first superintendent of Mount McKinley National Park. Karstens died on November 28, 1955.

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Henry Karstens papers

 Collection
Identifier: Mss-52
Stefansson Mss-52
Date(s): 1901 to 1953
Abstract

Henry P. Karstens (1878-1955), Alaskan mail carrier and first superintendent of Mount McKinley National Park. Consist of autobiographical material and material relating to Karstens' ascent of Mount McKinley including correspondence from Hudson Stuck, photographs as well as a monograph, "Prospecting in Alaska," by R. L. Stewart

Back to top