Merchant’s Wharf Coffee Mug (big 15oz)

Historic Merchants Wharf stands as a vibrant testament to Juneau, Alaska’s maritime and aviation heritage, perched along the bustling waterfront of the Gastineau Channel in downtown Juneau. This iconic blue structure, originally constructed in 1901 by the Pacific Coast Steam Ship Company as a deep-water wharf with a coal bunker, has evolved from an industrial hub into a beloved center for dining, shopping, and adventure tours. Nestled between Mount Juneau and Mount Roberts, it serves as a gateway to the capital city, blending historic charm with modern amenities while preserving remnants of Southeast Alaska’s pioneering past. The wharf’s story begins in the early 20th century, amid Juneau’s growth following its 1880 founding as a mining camp. By the 1920s, after a merger left the site vacant, it briefly housed Juneau Motors, a Ford dealership with the automaker’s logo emblazoned on its roof. Aviation soon took center stage, reflecting the region’s reliance on floatplanes due to rugged terrain and limited runways. In the 1930s, Alaska Air Transport acquired the property, demolishing structures to build a hangar complete with an innovative elevator system designed by pilot Shell Simmons in 1936 for lifting seaplanes for repairs. A fire destroyed the original hangar in 1938, but it was swiftly rebuilt, allowing operations to resume. A poignant chapter unfolded in 1935 when famed aviator Wiley Post and humorist Will Rogers landed their red seaplane at the wharf during a northward journey exploring airmail routes to Russia. Greeted by Mayor Izzy Goldstein, novelist Rex Beach, and pilot Joe Crosson, the group posed for an iconic photo on the hangar’s deck, capturing a moment of camaraderie amid rainy skies. Rogers, the “Cowboy Philosopher,” entertained locals with quips about Juneau’s weather, while Post, the first solo around-the-world flyer, embodied aviation’s daring spirit. Tragically, just days later on August 15, their plane crashed near Point Barrow, killing both—a loss that heartbroken Alaska and made global headlines. Post-World War II mergers transformed the site: Alaska Air Transport combined with Marine Airways in 1940 to form Alaska Coastal Airlines, expanding the hangar in 1946 to serve 33 communities. By 1968, Alaska Airlines absorbed it, shifting focus. Locals Dean Williams and Bill Bernhardt revived operations as Southeast Skyways, paving the way for Wings of Alaska in 1982, which specialized in glacier flightseeing. In 1974, entrepreneurs Henry Camarot, Lou Dischner, and Frank Irich repurposed the vacant hangar into Merchants Wharf, converting it for retail and offices while retaining original wood plank decking and historic photos. Today, the wharf thrives as a tourist magnet and local favorite. The Hangar on the Wharf restaurant, opened in 1996 by owners Reecia Wilson and Rob Sanford, occupies the heart of the building with aviation-themed decor, including model floatplanes and views of original elevator pilings. It boasts Juneau’s largest beer selection (over 125 varieties, 25 on tap) alongside fresh Alaskan seafood, steaks, burgers, and king crab, drawing patrons for its waterfront vistas and hearty fare. Adjacent, Wings Airways offers thrilling de Havilland Otter flights to Taku Glacier and Lodge for salmon feasts, echoing 1937’s early $4.50 glacier tours. Shops peddle souvenirs, and the site hosts seasonal events, making it ideal for cruise visitors or locals seeking harbor vibes. Despite a 2004 city plan suggesting demolition for park expansion, the wharf endures, embodying Juneau’s resilience. Its historic evaluation highlighted its role in shifting from gold rush cargo to tourism, ensuring preservation. At around 500 words, this wharf isn’t just a dock—it’s Juneau’s living history, where past flights inspire present adventures.