History of Anchorage, Alaska, USA

1953 - June 25 - The temperature at Anchorage soared to 86 degrees, their hottest reading of record.

The Weather Channel
June 25, 1953

1953 - December 11 - KTVA TV channel 11 in Anchorage (CBS) becomes Alaska's 1st TV station

historyorb.com

1955 - December 28-29 - Anchorage, AK, was buried under 17.7 inches of snow in 24 hours, a record for that location.

The Weather Channel

1964 - 21 DEAD, 83 MISSING IN FRIDAY'S EARTHQUAKE. PROPERTY DAMAGE ESTIMATE AT OVER $350-MILLION.
Anchorage, Alaska (AP) - As Alaskans toiled to dig out from the rubble of Friday's great earthquake, Civil Defense officials listed new casualty figures today of 21 known dead and 83 missing and presumed.

Fifty-five were reported to have been injured.

This means if those presumed dead - most were washed to sea by tidal waves following the quake - are indeed dead the toll will be more than 100.

Before this morning's report, an estimated 70 had been listed as dead or presumed so.

Gov. WILLIAM A. EGAN made a new damage estimate Sunday night of $350 million for this far north state, where industry in several south-central coastal towns was virtually obliterated.

Civil Defense officials gave this breakdown on casualties:

Anchorage, with a metropolitan population of 100,000 and the state's largest city, 8 dead and 2 presumed dead, 50 injured.
Kodiak, 7 dead, 14 presumed dead, 2 injured.
Valdez, 1 dead, 30 presumed dead, 2 injured.
Seward, 2 dead, 20 presumed dead, 2... Read MORE...

1966 - AT LEAST 14 DEAD AFTER HOTEL FIRE AT ANCHORAGE. BOILER ROOM EXPLOSION SUSPECTED.
Anchorage, Alaska (AP) - At least 14 persons, two of them women, died Monday in an early morning fire that destroyed the two-story, 33-room Lane Hotel on the edge of Anchorage's main business district.
Anchorage police said 14 bodies, some of them burned beyond recognition, were recovered from the ruins of the frame building at Fourth Avenue and C street.

The fire started at 1:17 a.m., Alaska Standard Time, during a cold, driving rain and flames quickly swept through the building, burst through the roof and towered skyward before they could be brought under control two hours later. The cause was not determined immediately.

The bodies were taken to a police garage where attempts to identify them were started. Firemen began an inch-by-inch search of the charred, water-soaked ruins to determine if there were additional dead. Their efforts were handicapped by the fact the roof fell in.
"There were an awful lot of flames," said JOE ROTHSTEIN, editor of the Anchorage Daily News, who ... Read MORE...

1968 - May 15 - A tornado touched down southwest of Anchorage, AK. It was the second of just three tornadoes reported in Alaska since 1950.

WeatherForYou.com

1986 - Mount Augustine erupted near Anchorage.
In 1986, Mount Augustine, a stratovolcano located on an uninhabited island in Cook Inlet, Alaska, erupted in a dramatic display that captured the attention of nearby Anchorage residents and scientists alike. The eruption began with a series of steam explosions in mid-March, followed by more intense activity in April. Ash plumes rose thousands of feet into the sky, creating spectacular visuals against the Alaskan landscape. The volcanic activity led to concerns about air travel safety due to ash clouds drifting over major flight paths, necessitating flight diversions and warnings to pilots.

Scientists closely monitored the eruption, using it as an opportunity to study volcanic processes and improve understanding of volcanic hazards in the region. Fortunately, despite the significant ash fall and disruptions caused by the eruption, there were no direct casualties or major damage reported.

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Anchorage:
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail:
Enjoy a scenic 11-mile trail along the coast, perfect for biking, walking, or running. Breathtaking views of the mountains and the ocean make it a must-visit.

Alaska Native Heritage Center:
Immerse yourself in Alaska's indigenous cultures.
Learn about native traditions, watch traditional dances, and explore exhibits.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center:
Get up close and personal with Alaska's wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. The center focuses on the rehabilitation of injured and orphaned animals.

Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center:
Discover Alaska's art, history, and science through exhibits and interactive displays. The planetarium and Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center are highlights.

Chugach State Park:
For the outdoor enthusiast, this park offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and stunning landscapes. Flattop Mountain is a popular hike with panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Alaska Botanical Garden:
Explore a... Read MORE...