The story of Harriet Pullen is a testament to unwavering ambition and incredible resourcefulness in the face of daunting challenges. Arriving in Skagway, Alaska, in 1897 with a mere seven dollars to her name, Harriet Pullen would quickly transform herself into one of the most influential and beloved figures of the Klondike Gold Rush era. Her journey from a struggling mother to a renowned hotelier and entrepreneur perfectly exemplifies the tenacity required to thrive during one of history’s most chaotic and opportunity-rich periods.
Known affectionately as “Ma” Pullen, she was a pioneering wife, mother, astute businesswoman, skilled horse team driver, and ultimately, a celebrated hotel owner. Her remarkable ability to adapt, innovate, and seize opportunities amidst the frenzy of the Klondike Gold Rush made her an unforgettable character in Alaskan history.
Early Life and the Perilous Journey to Alaska
Born Harriet Matilda “Hattie” Smith on August 13, 1860, in Mount Hope, Grant County, Wisconsin, she was the third of Andrew Jackson and Mary Jane Stewart Smith’s five children. Her early life instilled in her a profound resilience. The family eventually relocated by covered wagon to the challenging Dakota Territory, where they endured an array of natural disasters, including devastating grasshopper plagues, severe floods, destructive fires, harsh blizzards, and prolonged droughts. These formative experiences undoubtedly forged the formidable spirit that would later define her.
On February 23, 1881, Harriet married Daniel Webster Pullen in Clallam, Washington. The couple settled on a farm in Cape Flattery, Washington, and together they had four children. However, the economic prospects in Washington proved insufficient to sustain her growing family. Driven by a fierce desire to secure a better future for her children, Harriet made the arduous decision in the fall of 1897 to travel to Skagway, Alaska. She left her children in the care of trusted friends in Seattle, embarking on a journey into the unknown with little more than her ambition and a meager seven dollars.
A Pioneer’s Resourcefulness: From Cook to Pie Empress
Upon her arrival in Skagway, the bustling and chaotic boomtown of 1897, Harriet Pullen found herself amidst a whirlwind of prospectors, opportunists, and dreamers. Despite her limited funds and lack of local connections, her optimistic and ambitious nature quickly shone through. She was almost immediately hired by Captain William Moore, one of Skagway’s founders, to cook for his pier-building crew. Her daily wage of $3.00 was a crucial first step, but Harriet Pullen was not one to merely settle.
Displaying remarkable ingenuity, she utilized her spare time to collect discarded tin cans. With tireless effort, she flattened and reshaped these into makeshift pie pans. Soon, she began baking and selling apple pies to the droves of gold seekers passing through Skagway. Her delicious pies, a taste of home in the rugged wilderness, quickly became incredibly popular, generating a substantial profit. This early venture revealed her innate entrepreneurial spirit and her keen understanding of market demand in a frontier town.
Building a Freighting Empire and the Birth of the Pullen House
Harriet’s astute observations led her to a crucial realization: the true wealth in Skagway was not necessarily in digging for gold miles away, but in catering to the immediate and constant needs of the “stampeders” on their way to the gold fields. With the profits from her pie business, she swiftly moved to establish a freighting operation. She sent for the seven horses she still owned from her farm in Washington, and with this team, she began transporting essential supplies over the notoriously treacherous White Pass Trail.
Her freighting outfit was an immediate success, often earning her as much as $25 a day—a significant sum for the time. This enterprise showcased her physical strength, her unwavering determination, and her exceptional business acumen. However, the landscape of Skagway was rapidly changing. With the construction and advent of the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad in 1898, the demand for traditional freight lines diminished.
Ever the visionary, Pullen seamlessly transitioned her business. She purchased Captain William Moore’s former home and ingeniously converted it into the renowned Pullen House Hotel. Her hotel became famous throughout the region for its unparalleled hospitality, quickly earning her the affectionate moniker “Ma” Pullen. Her ventures were not just profitable; they allowed her to bring her beloved children to Skagway to live with her, a testament to her success and dedication.
Unrivaled Hospitality and Unique Entertainment
The Pullen House Hotel quickly established itself as a beacon of comfort and luxury in the rugged Alaskan frontier. Guests were treated to an array of amenities that were rare for the era, including hot baths and soft, comfortable beds—a stark contrast to the rough conditions most prospectors endured. Harriet’s commitment to quality extended to her dining experience. Her guests savored fresh vegetables sourced directly from her own gardens and enjoyed rich milk and cream from a nearby farm in Dyea. The meals, centered around her famous pies, were served on the finest china and silverware, adding a touch of elegance to the wild north.
To further enhance her guests’ experience, Harriet provided personalized transportation from the wharf in her own horse-drawn coach, ensuring a grand welcome. Beyond the comforts, Ma Pullen was also a masterful entertainer. She often dressed in authentic Tlingit Indian regalia, captivating her audiences with dramatic retellings of Native American oral traditions in the hotel’s parlor. She also drew upon her own captivating personal stories and extensive experiences with Skagway’s colorful cast of gold rush characters and pivotal events, making every stay at the Pullen House truly unforgettable.
A Mysterious Personal Life and Enduring Legacy
For much of her time in Skagway, Harriet Pullen’s neighbors believed her to be a widow, a perception that may have been an assumption or perhaps one she subtly encouraged. The truth, however, surfaced after she had achieved considerable success with her freight company and hotel, when her husband, Daniel Webster Pullen, arrived in town. His stay was brief, as he chose to venture into the Klondike mines in pursuit of his own fortune. He eventually passed away in Seattle, Washington, in 1910, confirming Harriet’s independent and self-reliant journey.
As the initial fervor of the gold rush waned and Skagway began to transition into a quieter town, Harriet Pullen, with her characteristic foresight, began collecting a vast array of gold rush memorabilia and artifacts. This collection not only preserved a vital piece of history but also added to the unique charm and historical significance of the Pullen House. She continued to live and preside over her beloved hotel until her passing on August 9, 1947, just four days before her 87th birthday. In accordance with her final wishes, she was laid to rest near her hotel, a permanent fixture in the town she helped build.
Conclusion: The Indomitable Spirit of a Skagway Icon
Harriet Pullen arrived in Skagway with virtually nothing, yet through sheer determination, tireless hard work, and a willingness to take calculated risks, she carved out an extraordinary life. Her entrepreneurial spirit allowed her to amass sufficient wealth to send her children to university, elevating her status to one of Skagway’s most influential and respected citizens. Her impact on the development and culture of this iconic Alaskan town cannot be overstated.
Though the Pullen House Hotel no longer stands today, the legacy of Ma Pullen endures. Her grave, a quiet testament to her remarkable life, remains along the historic tracks of the White Pass & Yukon Route railroad, a constant reminder of the indomitable woman who helped shape the Klondike Gold Rush era. Harriet Pullen’s story is a compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and the profound power of a single individual to make an indelible mark on history.
