what important events happened in alaska

What are some historical events that happened in Alaska?

• In 1900 the Capital of Alaska was moved from Sitka to Juneau.
• President Theodore Roosevelt established the Tongass National Forest in 1907.
• In 1925 a diphtheria epidemic cripples Nome, Alaska.
• During World War II in 1942, Japan invades the Aleutian Islands of Attu and Kiska.

Full Answer

Why did America purchase Alaska?

The seal fishery was one of the chief considerations that induced the United States to purchase Alaska. It provided considerable revenue by the lease of the privilege of taking seals, an amount that was actually more than the price paid for Alaska. From 1870 to 1890, the seal fisheries yielded 100,000 skins a year.

Why did America want Alaska?

The US purchased Alaska from the Russian Empire. It clearly was a continuation of the expansionist vision of many of the leaders of that time. From President Polk on, it was thought that the US should continuously expand, and Alaska did represent quite a bit of territory, even if it was frigid there.

What is an important thing that happened in Alaska?

• President Woodrow Wilson selects the railroad's route that will run between the Port of Seward through the coal fields of the Interior to the gold claims near Fairbanks. ...
• Alaska Native Sisterhood holds first convention in Sitka.
• The "Great Anchorage Lot Sale," a land auction that will shape the future of the city, is held. ...

What should you do in Alaska?

Must See In Alaska

• Watch a Tidewater Glacier Crash into the Ocean. ...
• Flightsee Over an Alaska Mountain Range. ...
• Get Face-to-Face with a Wild Beast. ...
• Feel Alaska’s Vastness by Driving One of its Highways. ...
• Watch a Glacial River Go By. ...
• See Alpenglow at Midnight. ...
• Rub Your Nose In The Tundra. ...
• Watch a Whale Shatter the Surface. ...
• Meet An Alaskan. ...
• View the Northern Lights. ...

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Why was Alaska important in history?

The purchase of Alaska in 1867 marked the end of Russian efforts to expand trade and settlements to the Pacific coast of North America, and became an important step in the United States rise as a great power in the Asia-Pacific region.

What are some historical Facts about Alaska?

Alaska history and quirksAlaska has Gold Rush history. ... Alaska has World War II history. ... Alaska was reached by outsiders in 1741. ... Russia sold Alaska to the U.S. for $7.2 million. ... Alaskans celebrate Alaska Day each October 18. ... Anchorage is home to a unique spot. ... Claims have been made about paranormal activity.More items...•

What is Alaska's history?

Russia controlled most of the area that is now Alaska from the late 1700s until 1867 when it was purchased by U.S. Secretary of State William Seward for $7.2 million, or about two cents an acre. During World War II, the Japanese occupied two Alaskan islands, Attu and Kiska, for 15 months.

What are 3 famous things about Alaska?

Alaska Facts. Alaska is known for glaciers, national parks, the vast wilderness, Northern lights, midnight sun, and cruises.

What is Alaska well known for?

Alaska is known for its wide-open spaces, abundant outdoor experiences, and Alaskan Native culture. Alaska is also one of the best places in the world in which to view the Northern Lights. From the mountains to the sea fjords, and Alaska's vast interior terrain, the 49th state is a photographer's dream.

What are 10 fun Facts about Alaska?

10 Interesting Facts about AlaskaAlaska is bigger than the next largest states, combined! ... Alaska has 3 million lakes. ... Alaska has the State's largest glacier. ... Alaska has the largest forest in the States. ... Alaska was once sold for $7.2 million. ... Juneau is the only US capital that is inaccessible by road.More items...•

What are 5 interesting Facts about Alaska?

5 Fun Facts About Alaska & Its HistoryAlaska has 3 million lakes. ... Alaska has more than 12,000 rivers. ... Alaska has an estimated 100,000 glaciers. ... Alaska has more volcanoes than any other state. ... Alaska has 54,563 kilometres of tidal shoreline.

What was Alaska called before buying?

Originally organized as the Department of Alaska, the area was renamed the District of Alaska (1884) and the Alaska Territory (1912) before becoming the modern State of Alaska in 1959.

Who lived in Alaska first?

Alaska became populated by the Inuit and a variety of Native American groups. Today, early Alaskans are divided into several main groups: the Southeastern Coastal Indians (the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian), the Athabascans, the Aleut, and the two groups of Eskimos, the Inupiat and the Yup'ik.

Who were the first humans in Alaska?

Prehistoric Alaska begins with Paleolithic people moving into northwestern North America sometime between 40,000 and 15,000 years ago across the Bering Land Bridge in western Alaska; a date less than 20,000 years ago is most likely.

Who owned Alaska first?

Seward and Russian envoy Baron Edouard de Stoeckl signed the Treaty of Cession. With a stroke of a pen, Tsar Alexander II had ceded Alaska, his country's last remaining foothold in North America, to the United States for US$7.2 million.

How did Alaska get its name?

The name "Alaska" is derived from the Aleut "alaxsxaq", meaning "the mainland" or, more literally, "the object towards which the action of the sea is directed". It is also known as "Alyeska", the "great land", an Aleut word derived from the same root.

What inventions came from Alaska?

“Only In Alaska” Inventions: Kayaks, Ulus, Gut-Skin ClothingKayaks: Alaska Natives Choice for Hunting Out on the Water. ... Ulus: A Cutting and Carving Tool Over the Alaska Ages. ... Gut-skin Clothing: Waterproof & Warm.

What color is Alaska known for?

The state flag of Alaska displays eight gold stars, forming the Big Dipper and Polaris, on a dark blue field. The Big Dipper is an asterism in the constellation Ursa Major which symbolizes a bear, an animal indigenous to Alaska.

Is Alaska rich or poor?

Alaska, the 4th richest state overall with a high real per capita income and the by far the highest per capita spending of any state, has the 19th highest poverty rate, which, at 12.2%, is above the national average.

Who was born in Alaska?

Tony Barnette1983MLB player for the Texas RangersMarty Beckerman1983writerIrene Bedard1967actress; voice actor for PocahontasBenny Benson1913designer of the Flag of AlaskaChad Bentz1980major league baseball pitcher14 more rows

Why is Alaska so rich?

The oil and gas industry is the largest component of Alaska's economy. Nearly 85 percent of the state budget is supplied by oil revenues. The fortunes of Alaska's oil industry, and therefore many sectors of the economy, are dependent upon world oil prices.

Is Alaska a snake?

Why Does Alaska Have No Snakes? Alaska lacks reptiles because it's too cold.

How old is Alaska?

It was admitted as the 49th state of the U.S. on January 3, 1959.

Does Alaska have 3 million lakes?

Alaska has more than 40% of the nation's surface water resources including over 12,000 rivers, 3 millions lakes greater than 5 acres and numerous creeks and ponds.

How old is Alaska?

Alaska, constituent state of the United States of America. It was admitted to the union as the 49th state on January 3, 1959.

What was Alaska before 1867?

During the Department era, from 1867 to 1884, Alaska was variously under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army (until 1877), the United States Department of the Treasury (from 1877 until 1879) and the U.S. Navy (from 1879 until 1884).

How did Alaska get its name?

The name "Alaska" is derived from the Aleut "alaxsxaq", meaning "the mainland" or, more literally, "the object towards which the action of the sea is directed". It is also known as "Alyeska", the "great land", an Aleut word derived from the same root.

Who originally owned Alaska?

Seward and Russian envoy Baron Edouard de Stoeckl signed the Treaty of Cession. With a stroke of a pen, Tsar Alexander II had ceded Alaska, his country's last remaining foothold in North America, to the United States for US$7.2 million.

Why was Alaska conserved?

Much of Alaska's land was conserved when federal government officials attempted to avoid mistakes made in the western United States, retaining control of 99 percent of the land until statehood was established , calling it a "new conservationist ethic." "In 1906, President Teddy Roosevelt halted coal leases on public lands in Alaska, part of a long and complicated argument about whether one large company was trying to gain an unfair advantage and exploit a public resource," says AHCS. Lawsuits in the mid-1900s carved out lands for Alaska tribes, which led to the Alaska Native land claims movement.

When was Alaska discovered?

The state was "officially" discovered on Gvodzev's second expedition in 1741. It wasn't until 1867 that Alaska became part of the United States. The area was purchased by William Henry Seward, Abraham Lincoln's Secretary of State.

When did the gold rush start in Alaska?

territory and creating small gold rushes. Gold prospectors in California began to move north, and Alaska's first mining district was created in 1879. Miner John Treadwell found gold on Douglas Island and created the Alaska Treadwell Gold Mining Co. From 1887 through 1917, his company pulled $67 million of gold from the area. The Great Klondike Gold Rush started in 1847.

Who settled the land in Alaska?

The land had been settled for thousands of years by Eskimos, who greeted the Russian explorers with arrows before meeting with expedition leader Mikhail Gvodzev, according to Alaska History & Cultural Studies.

How many acres of Alaska are protected?

That move turned 104 million acres in the state into protected areas, such as parks and preserves. Fifty million acres were left as wilderness.

How many people arrived in Alaska in 1888?

During 1888, more than 60,000 people arrived in Alaska in search of gold. Special legislation in 1898 extends the provisions of the Homestead Act of 1862 to the Territory of Alaska allowing settlers in the state to stake a claim for 160 acres of public land for development as a homestead.

Who discovered Alaska in 1741?

In 1728, Vitus Bering, a Danish explorer, documents the Bering Strait between Asia and North America. In 1741, A Russian expedition led by Vitus Ber ing, along with George Steller, made the first "discovery" of Alaska, landing near what today is Kayak Island.

What was the second migration across the Bering Land Bridge?

The Amerind migration group continued south to populate all of the Americas. The second migration across the Bering Land Bridge brought the Na-Dene and Eskimo-Aleut. They arrived in Alaska about 12,000 BP and moved through the north to populate Alaska and Canada.

Why did Captain Cook have to turn back?

Captain Cook continued to sail up the western coast of Alaska, through the Bering Strait, and entered into the Arctic Ocean but was forced to turn back due to ice blocking the way. In 1780, a Japanese whaling ship ran aground near the western end of the Aleutian Islands.

When was the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act passed?

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) is passed in 1971, giving Alaska Natives land and capital, as well as establishing the Native Corporations. The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) passes in 1980, creating the huge public lands system in Alaska.

When did Alaska become the 49th state?

In 1959, almost 100 years after the purchase of Alaska, became the 49th State. President Eisenhower signed the official declaration on January 3, 1959. A massive 9.2 magnitude earthquake rocks the southern portion of Alaska on Good Friday on 1964.

When did the Klondike gold rush occur?

The Klondike Gold Rush occurred in 1897-1900, bringing over 100,000 prospectors who would attempt to travel north and seek their fortunes.

When did the Malaspina arrive in Alaska?

January 24, 1963 – The M/V Malaspina, the first of the Alaska Marine Highway system’s ferries, arrived in Juneau on its maiden voyage.

When was Alaska proclaimed a state?

January 3, 1959 – President Dwight D. Eisenhower proclaimed Alaska the 49th state of the Union.

What year did the largest sawmill in Alaska open?

Congress later that year amended the law to allow construction. February 10, 1899 – The Wilson & Sylvester sawmill at Wrangell received machinery that would make it the largest sawmill in Alaska. February 11, 1945 – Charles D. Brower, known as the “King of the Arctic,” died at Barrow at age 82.

What happened on January 30, 1920?

January 30, 1920 – Fire destroyed the plant of the Daily Alaska Citizen at Fairbanks.

Why were the members of the Alaska Territorial Senate hanged in effigy at Cordova?

February 17, 1914 – Seven members of the Alaska Territorial Senate were hanged in effigy at Cordova as a protest against their votes on a railroad measure.

What happened on March 11, 1942?

March 11, 1942 – The SS Mount McKinley, 4,861 tons, and carrying military cargo, was wrecked at Scotch Cap, Unimak Pass. March 12, 1914 – President Woodrow Wilson signed into law a bill providing for a government railroad in Alaska. The Alaska Railroad created by this legislation is now owned by the State of Alaska.

What building was destroyed by fire in 1939?

February 8, 1939 – The Goldstein Building in Juneau, which formerly housed Alaska’s executive offices and served as its capitol, was gutted by fire but its concrete walls stood and were reused.

How long have people lived in Alaska?

People have inhabited Alaska since 10,000 BCE. At that time a land bridge extended from Siberia to eastern Alaska, and migrants followed herds of animals across it. Of these migrant groups, the Athabaskans, Aleuts, Inuit, Yupik, Tlingit and Haida remain in Alaska.

Who bought Alaska from Russia?

Russia controlled most of the area that is now Alaska from the late 1700s until 1867, when it was purchased by U.S. Secretary of State William Seward for $7.2 million, or about two cents an acre.

What is Alaska's largest state?

Contents. Interesting Facts. The largest state (in area) of the United States, Alaska was admitted to the union as the 49th state in 1959, and lies at the extreme northwest of the North American continent. Acquired by the United States in 1867, the territory was dubbed “Seward’s Folly” after U.S.

What was the most powerful volcanic eruption of the 20th century?

The most powerful volcanic explosion of the 20th century occurred in 1912 when Novarupta Volcano erupted, creating the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes in Katmai National Park. The temperature dropped to a record -80 degrees Fahrenheit at Prospect Creek Camp in 1971.

What were the consequences of the Russian expeditions to Alaska?

Other groups could not manage the tensions and perpetrated exactions. Hostages were taken, individuals were enslaved, families were split up, and other individuals were forced to leave their villages and settle elsewhere. In addition, during the first two generations of Russian contact, eighty percent of the Aleut population died of Old World diseases, against which they had no immunity.

How did the Good Friday earthquake affect Alaska?

On March 27, 1964 the Good Friday earthquake struck South-central Alaska, churning the earth for four minutes with a magnitude of 9.2. The earthquake was one of the most powerful ever recorded and killed 139 people. Most of them were drowned by the tsunamis that tore apart the towns of Valdez and Chenega. Throughout the Prince William Sound region, towns and ports were destroyed and land was uplifted or shoved downward. The uplift destroyed salmon streams, as the fish could no longer jump the various newly created barriers to reach their spawning grounds. Ports at Valdez and Cordova were beyond repair, and the fires destroyed what the mudslides had not. At Valdez, an Alaska Steamship Company ship was lifted by a huge wave over the docks and out to sea, but most hands survived. At Turnagain Arm, off Cook Inlet, the incoming water destroyed trees and caused cabins to sink into the mud. On Kodiak, a tsunami wiped out the villages of Afognak, Old Harbor, and Kaguyak and damaged other communities, while Seward lost its harbor. Despite the extent of the catastrophe, Alaskans rebuilt many of the communities.

Why did Russia buy Alaska?

Financial difficulties in Russia, the low profits of trade with Alaskan settlement, and the important desire to keep Alaska out of British hands all contributed to Russia's willingness to sell its possessions in North America. At the instigation of U.S. Secretary of State William Seward, the United States Senate approved the purchase of Alaska from Russia for US$7.2 million on August 1, 1867 (equivalent to approximately $133M in 2020). This purchase was popularly known in the U.S. as "Seward's Folly", "Seward's Icebox," or "Andrew Johnson's Polar Bear Garden", and was unpopular among some people at the time. Later discovery of gold and oil would show it to be a worthwhile one. Scholars debate whether the purchase of Alaska was a financially profitable for the federal Treasury itself, apart from its benefits to Alaskans and to businesses, and to national defense.

How many pages is Oil and Wilderness in Alaska?

Busenberg, George J. Oil and Wilderness in Alaska: Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and National Policy Dynamics (Georgetown University Press; 2013) 168 pages; studies competing environmental and developmental interests in the state regarding the Trans-Alaska pipeline, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, and reforms after the Exxon Valdez disaster.

Why is it called Alaska Day?

The United States flag was raised on October 18, 1867, now called Alaska Day, and the region changed from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, for residents, Friday, October 6, 1867 was followed by Friday, October 18, 1867—two Fridays in a row because of the 12 day shift in the calendar minus one day for the date-line shift.

What tribes lived in Alaska?

Alaska became populated by the Inuit and a variety of Native American groups. Today, early Alaskans are divided into several main groups: the Southeastern Coastal Indians (the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian ), the Athabascans, the Aleut, and the two groups of Eskimos, the Inupiat and the Yup'ik.

How much of Alaska's national parkland is protected by the National Interest Lands Conservation Act?

The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980 added 53.7 million acres (217,000 km²) to the National Wildlife Refuge system, parts of 25 rivers to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers system, 3.3 million acres (13,000 km²) to National Forest lands, and 43.6 million acres (176,000 km²) to National Park land. Because of the Act, Alaska now contains two-thirds of all American national parklands. Today, more than half of Alaskan land is owned by the Federal Government .

What happened in Alaska in 1964?

1964 - A huge earthquake hits Alaska destroying some cities and heavily damaging Anchorage.

What happened to the Aleutian Islands?

World War II. During World War II, two of the Aleutian Islands of Alaska were invaded by the Japanese. This was the only part of the continental United States that was occupied during the war. The United States retook the islands after fierce fighting.

What tribes lived in Alaska?

In Alaska they eventually became tribes such as the Tlingit, Haida, Aleut, Tsimshian, and the Inuit . In 1728, a Danish explorer named Vitus Bering arrived in Alaska. He discovered a strait between North America and Asia. Today this straight is named the Bering Strait.

How many people went to Alaska to mine for gold?

Between 1896 and 1899, around 100,000 people traveled to Alaska to mine for gold. This period is called the Klondike Gold Rush or the Yukon Gold Rush. It is estimated that over 1 million pounds of gold have been mined from the region. World War II.

Why was Alaska important to the United States?

Many people thought that the territory should not become a state. However, the region became strategically important to the military during World War II. Also, oil was discovered making the territory economically important to the United States. On January 3, 1959 Alaska was admitted into the Union as the 49th state.

When was Alaska settled?

State History. The land that is today the state of Alaska was originally settled thousands of years ago . Historians believe that the people first arrived from northern Asia, coming across the Bering Land Bridge during the last Ice Age. The lower sea levels caused this land to be exposed, but today it is under water.

When was Alaska purchased?

1867 - Alaska is purchased from Russia by the United States for $7,200,000.

Who is the baked Alaska?

Far-right social media personality Tim Gionet, who calls himself “Baked Alaska,” has been charged with misdemeanors over allegedly damaging a Hanukkah display in December 2020 outside the Arizona Capitol.

How many people will visit Juneau in 2019?

Fewer than 100,000 passengers are expected to visit the capital city this year, down from more than 1.3 million in 2019.

What happened to Eugene Darby?

Eugene Darby was entering a curve on the highway when his truck lost traction, slid across the highway and overturned, troopers said.

How long will the Northwest Passage last?

The Northwest Passage part of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy’s voyage is expected to last about 10 days, and take place in September. Hal Bernton, The Seattle Times 3 days ago.

Why do senior leaders serve soldiers and their families Tuesday?

Senior leaders served soldiers and their families Tuesday as part of a military tradition showing appreciation for service and sacrifice.

Who are the female artists from Alaska?

Six female artists from Alaska to add to your summer playlist. Ava Earl, Nichole-Lee, Bethlehem Shalom, Erin Heist, Kodi Hannah and Liz Snyder are all releasing new music this summer. Samantha Davenport 2 days ago.

Is Hilcorp Alaska a downward trend?

Hilcorp Alaska has arrested a downward trend in oil production at Prudhoe Bay in the year-plus the company has run the North Slope field. According to company leaders, it isn’t the result of anything particularly big or drastic the company has done.

15,000 - 4,000 Before Present

4,000 - 3,500 Before Present

The 1700s

The 1800s

The 1900s