Ark A. Tower Photograph Collection, 1901-1903

Collection

Identifier: PCA 334

Staff Only

Alaska's Digital Archives: Ark A. Tower Photograph Collection, 1901-1903 . ASL-PCA-334

Scope and Contents

The collection contains sixteen black and white photographs mounted on board and with descriptions on versos, possibly written by Ark Tower. The images show Fort Egbert at the turn of the century, fellow soldiers (many are identified), military life on the base, the Fort Egbert school, missionary teacher and students, and the Fort Egbert Native village. The collection also includes a diary kept by Ark Tower, from Jan. to June 1903.

Dates

1901-1903

Conditions Governing Access

The photographs may be viewed, however, they may not be photocopied.

Biographical Note

Ark Tower was born in 1879. He served as sergeant in Company "C" 8th Infantry at Fort Egbert from 1901-1903. The U. S. Army was stationed at Fort Egbert in 1899, adjacent to Eagle, Alaska, to provide law and order, build roads and communications (including the telegraph system, WAMCATS, Washington-Alaska Military Cable and Telegraph System) and assist indigent miners in the area.

An avid photographer, Sergeant Tower photographed images of daily life and military activities in and around Fort Egbert. He developed and mounted the photographs himself. Sergeant Tower was a first cousin to Senator John Tower of Texas. He died in 1958 and was buried in the uniform he wore during his service. [Information about Fort Egbert from the Eagle Historical Society and Museums, http://www.eagleak.org/city.htm Accessed: 05 Feb 10.

Extent

17 items : 16 black and white photographs ; 1 handmade diary

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Irene Tower Carey, daughter of Ark Tower, donated the collection in 1991 (Acc. no. 1991-057).

Existence and Location of Copies

Photographs digitized and available for viewing via Alaska's Digital Archives: 01-03, 05-16

Processing Information

The photographs are sleeved in Mylar. Descriptions in this guide were transcribed from Tower's handwritten captions found on the verso of the photos, where legible.