Murchison, Sam
Biography
Sam Murchison was involved in early engineering and exploration work related to the development of Alaska’s copper mining region in the Wrangell Mountains during the early twentieth century.
The discovery of rich copper deposits in the Wrangell Mountains in 1900 prompted renewed interest in transportation routes connecting the interior mining districts with the southern Alaska coast. These developments significantly affected the operations of trader and transportation entrepreneur Jack Dalton.
In 1901, Michael J. Heney, a prominent railroad builder of the north, undertook a reconnaissance survey for a railway route from the south Alaska coast to the interior. Heney identified a rough but usable route along the Copper River beginning near present-day Cordova. Despite the possibility of such a route, Heney initially believed the known mineral deposits were not yet sufficient to justify constructing a railroad that would require multiple major river crossings and contend with advancing glaciers.
By 1905, however, interest in the region’s copper deposits had grown considerably. While in London at the offices of the financial firm Close Brothers, Heney learned that financiers were prepared to fund a railroad if a feasible route could be confirmed. Remembering his earlier survey, Heney wired his New York office to engage Jack Dalton and Sam Murchison to reexamine the Copper River route.
The proposal was controversial. Engineers advocating rival railroad routes beginning at Valdez and Katalla argued that the Copper River route was impossible. Meanwhile, Stephen Birch of the newly organized Alaska Syndicate had already begun construction of a competing line from Katalla.
Sources
- Alaska Mining Hall of Fame