Gold Creek (Juneau, Alaska) Gold Creek (Juneau, Alaska) Gold Creek is a waterway in the southeastern section of the U.S. state of Alaska. It is located in Silver Bow Basin at the edge of Juneau. In 1880, Chief Kowee revealed to prospectors Joe Juneau and Richard Harris the presence of gold in Gold Creek; the city of Juneau was founded in the same year. Named by miners, it was first published in 1883. The first gold placer claims of 4 Oct. 1880 by Harris and Juneau were followed by quartz claims in the name of their employers Pilz and Fuller. These sixteen claims were
Richard Harris (prospector) name immediately; originally, it was known as Harrisburg, Pilzburg, and Rockwell. Apparently, Juneau was able to buy votes from enough of his fellow miners for it to be changed. Today, Harris Street still exists in Juneau. Harris lived the rest of his life in Juneau (actually, he was later moved to a nursing home in Oregon, where he died) his children and descendants stayed in Juneau for many years. Both Harris and Juneau are buried in the city's Evergreen Cemetery. Richard Harris (prospector) Richard Tighe Harris (October 31, 1833 – October 11, 1907) was a Canadian miner and prospector. Richard