Introduction In the annals of Alaska's colorful history, few figures capture the imagination quite like Molly Walsh, a young woman who became known as the "Queen of the Yukon Trail" during the tumultuous Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-1898. Her story embodies the spirit of adventure, entrepreneurship, and tragedy that defined this pivotal period in North American history. Early Life and Journey North Born Mary Welsh around 1872, Molly was a resourceful and independent young woman with an adventurous spirit and love of frontiers. At age 18 in 1890, she left her home for Butte, Montana, where she spent seven years working in various capacities, including laundry services for the thousands of miners who populated that booming copper town. This experience would prove invaluable in preparing her for the challenges ahead. When news of gold discoveries in the Canadian Yukon reached the lower states in 1897, Molly was among the estimated 100,000 prospectors and entrepreneurs wh...