Sourdough Climbers

The first people to climb Mount McKinley did it to win a bet.

It all started when a group of guys were talking in a Fairbanks saloon one cold November in 1909. Dr. Frederick Cook had just published a book claiming he made it to the top of Mount McKinley. Those at the bar were all convinced the famous explorer was lying. Alaskans didn’t believe some fancy man from the city could have done it. The bar owner said he didn’t believe anyone could do it.

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