The 1905 Government. cable Office: Historic Charm, views, location Downtown

Top rated by guests
Bedroom 1 of 2: Front Bedroom: Double bed.
Interior
Living room with history and current amenities. hi speed wifi/streaming avail.
Kitchen with beautiful original wood floors
Kitchen with oven/microwave, fridge, basic spices. Complimentary Coffee/Tea
review stars
9.4Outstanding
(155 Ratings)
"Loved the charm of the historic building. Great location. Host was awesome! "
Gina C.
Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
9.4 / 10.0
Outstanding(155 Ratings)

Apartment in Seward, AK

6 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 baths

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
High-end valueWell priced for this area
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental

About this apartment rental

Downtown location, 2 BR/2 bath private apartment. 2nd loft unit upstairs. Beautiful Views from front your porch Historic Feel

National Register Property

Cable Office in Seward, Alaska, United States, is a building that served as a telegraph office that connected Seward with communications in the rest of the United States.

The cable office was constructed in 1905 by the U.S. Army Signal Corps as part of the Washington–Alaska Military Cable and Telegraph System (WAMCATS). Telegraph service from the lower states first connected to Valdez, Alaska. In summer 1905, submarine cable was extended from Valdez to Seward.

The first message over the line was to A. C. Frost, president of the Alaska Central Railway, who was in Chicago: 'This first message transmitted over Alaska Cable connects Seward from this day to the great city of Chicago.' Among initial regular users of the telegraph line was the local newspaper, the Seward Daily Gateway. In August 1905, owner Frank Ballaine began featuring the previous day's news from the Coterminous United States in his paper. Before the telegraph line, outside news arrived via steam ship days or weeks later.

The office was operated by Army personnel. The front room of the building was open to the public who could send and receive messages. The central part of the ground floor served as the operator's station, while workers lived on the second floor. Service continued until an earthquake severed the line in 1934. By that time, radio communication had been established by the Navy and the telegraph line was not replaced. The government retained ownership until 1961. Since then, the building has served as a private residence and rented apartments.

We are now offering lodging in this wonderful home. Completely renovated bathrooms, fresh interior paint and charming period touches throughout and a beautiful, historic exterior as well.

The house is set up similar to a duplex, with the GOVT. CABLE OFFICE downstairs (2 bedroom/2 bath, kitchen, living room and a wonderful covered porch.

The upstairs is the original lodging with a completely separate entrance. This is a 2 bedroom/1 bath. This is referred to as the TELEGRAPH HOUSE QUARTERS (also on VRBO).

Both have some wonderful views and a 1905 historic feel. You may rent both the top and bottom (depending on availability) or try both on different occasions!

Walking distance to the Sealife Center, dining and shopping and the waterfront.

You'll love the location, the parking and the views right from your front porch!

-Proprietors Tanguy and Marcella Libbrecht

Amenities at The 1905 Government. cable Office: Historic Charm, views, location Downtown

Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Family friendly

Map of Seward, AK


Ratings and reviews

9.4 / 10.0
Outstanding(155 Ratings)
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Sep 2025
Loved the charm of the historic building. Great location. Host was awesome!
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Sep 2025
This was our second stay at the property. Our first was the upstairs unit and this time we stayed in the downstairs unit. The owner is great at making sure you have everything you need or could have forgotten at home from coffee to cotton swabs to shampoo and conditioner. The property is very clean and welcoming. It is a historical house so yes there are creaky floors and antiques, but that is what gives it the lovely character. The beds were comfy and there was always hot water! We will definitely opt to book this place in future trips to Seward!!
10.0 / 10.0Outstanding·Aug 2025
Great downtown Seward location. Fun historic house! Well done and comfy!
6.0 / 10.0Average·Jul 2024
The location of this rental can’t be beat! You can walk to restaurants, the Sea Life Cevter, and the water. The property wasn’t the cleanest, when we checked in, there were dirty wet towels left in the bathroom and a terrible fishy smell that was leftover from the prior guests. This house has all the charm of an old house and the quirks that come along with it like creaky floors, a radiator for heating, and creaky antique dining chairs. But if location is your number one priority, this is the house for you.

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FAQs

Is parking included with this apartment?

Parking is not specified as an available amenity at The 1905 Government. cable Office: Historic Charm, views, location Downtown. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this apartment?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this apartment. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is The 1905 Government. cable Office: Historic Charm, views, location Downtown pet friendly?

Unfortunately, this apartment is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"

What amenities are available at The 1905 Government. cable Office: Historic Charm, views, location Downtown?

We found 3 amenities for this rental. This includes non-smoking, no pets allowed, and family friendly.


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