History of Alaska, USA

1741 - Outsiders first discovered Alaska in 1741 when Danish explorer Vitus Jonassen Bering sighted it on a voyage from Siberia.

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1784 - Russian whalers and fur traders on Kodiak Island established the first settlement in Alaska in 1784.
In 1784, Russian whalers and fur traders arrived on Kodiak Island, marking the establishment of the first permanent settlement in Alaska. Led by Grigory Shelikhov, the expedition aimed to establish a trading post to exploit the region's abundant sea otter population. The settlement, initially named Pavlovskaya Gavan (Paul's Harbor) and later renamed Kodiak, became a hub for Russian fur trade in North America.

The Russians' arrival had a significant impact on the indigenous Alutiiq people, leading to conflicts over resources and cultural exchange. The settlement laid the foundation for Russian influence in Alaska, which would later expand across the region.
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1834 - Native Aleut population, estimated at between 15,000 and 20,000 before Europeans arrived, dropped to 2247 by 1834
largely due to the introduction of guns and diseases such as smallpox, measles, and tuberculosis.
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1867 - March 30 – Alaska is purchased for $7.2 million from Alexander II of Russia, about 2 cent per acre, by United States Secretary of State William H. Seward. The news media call this "Seward's Folly"
U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward signs a treaty with Russia for the purchase of Alaska for $7 million. Despite the bargain price of roughly two cents an acre, the Alaskan purchase was ridiculed in Congress and in the press as "Seward's folly," "Seward's icebox," and President Andrew Johnson's "polar bear garden."

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March 30, 1867

1869 - Sitka Times, first Alaskan newspaper, published
In 1869, the Sitka Times made its mark as the first newspaper in Alaska, a significant milestone in the region's history. Sitka, at that time, was a bustling hub in Alaska, serving as the capital of Russian America. The newspaper played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, disseminating news, and providing a platform for discussions on local issues, politics, and events.

The Sitka Times likely reflected the unique blend of cultures in the region, including the perspectives of the indigenous peoples, Russian settlers, and other inhabitants. This newspaper would have been instrumental in keeping the community informed about developments in the rapidly changing landscape of Alaska, from political transitions to economic developments and cultural exchanges
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1872 - Gold discovered near Sitka (Alaska)
In 1872, gold was discovered near Sitka, a significant event that would shape the future of Alaska. Sitka, located on Baranof Island, was the capital of Russian America (Alaska) at the time, and the discovery sparked a rush of prospectors to the area in search of riches. This discovery marked one of the early chapters in Alaska's gold rush history, predating the more famous Klondike Gold Rush by several decades.

The gold discovery near Sitka contributed to the economic development of the region and played a role in the eventual transfer of Alaska from Russian to American control. The influx of miners and settlers brought about changes in the indigenous Alaskan communities and landscapes, setting in motion a series of events that would lead to Alaska becoming a U.S. territory in 1912.
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1888 - More than 60,000 arrived in search for gold (Alaska)

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(1897 - 1900) Klondike gold rush occurred
The Klondike Gold Rush was a period from 1897 to 1900 when thousands of people from all over the world rushed to the Klondike region of Yukon in northwestern Canada in search of gold. The rush began in 1896 when gold was discovered in Bonanza Creek, a tributary of the Klondike River. News of the discovery spread quickly, triggering a frenzy as prospectors, known as "Stampeders," flocked to the area.

The journey to the Klondike was arduous and dangerous, often involving travel by foot, boat, and overland through harsh, rugged terrain. The most famous route was the Chilkoot Trail, a steep and grueling climb over the Coastal Mountains. Upon reaching the Klondike, prospectors faced harsh conditions, including freezing temperatures and limited supplies. Despite the challenges, many persevered in the hopes of striking it rich. While some did find gold, many others returned home empty-handed or with only modest earnings. The Klondike Gold Rush had a significant impact on the region,... Read MORE...

1897 - During the Klondike gold rush in 1897, potatoes were so highly valued for their vitamin C content, that miners traded gold for them.

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1899 - May 31 – Launch of the Harriman Alaska Expedition.
The Harriman Alaska Expedition of 1899 was a significant scientific and exploratory endeavor led by railroad magnate Edward Harriman. Departing from Seattle on May 31, 1899, aboard the luxuriously appointed steamship SS George W. Elder, the expedition aimed to explore and document the largely uncharted coastline of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. The expedition was notable for its impressive roster of scientists, artists, and experts, including naturalists John Muir and John Burroughs, photographer Edward S. Curtis, and many others. The expedition's goal was to study and document the natural history, wildlife, and native cultures of Alaska, as well as to further Harriman's personal interests in natural science.

The expedition's findings were groundbreaking, providing invaluable insights into Alaska's ecosystems, geology, and indigenous cultures. The expedition also contributed significantly to the scientific understanding of the region's flora and fauna, with many new species... Read MORE...

1899 - July 30 – The Harriman Alaska Expedition ends successfully.
The Harriman Alaska Expedition of 1899 was a landmark scientific and exploratory endeavor led by railroad magnate Edward Harriman. Departing in June aboard the steamship George W. Elder, the expedition ventured along the Alaskan coast, reaching as far as the Bering Strait. The goal was to study and document the natural history, geology, and indigenous cultures of Alaska, which was then a relatively unknown and remote territory. The expedition included a large contingent of scientists, artists, and photographers, as well as notable figures like naturalist John Muir and photographer Edward S. Curtis.

The expedition concluded on July 30, 1899, having achieved significant scientific and cultural discoveries. The team collected numerous specimens of flora and fauna, some of which were previously unknown to science. The expedition's findings contributed greatly to the understanding of Alaska's biodiversity and its native peoples. The expedition's success also helped to raise awareness of ... Read MORE...

1903 - Alaska-Canada border was established
In 1903, the United States and the United Kingdom (on behalf of Canada) reached an agreement to establish the border between Alaska and Canada. The negotiations were a result of the 1898 discovery of gold in the Klondike region, which sparked a gold rush and increased the need for a clear boundary. The border had been loosely defined by the 1825 Treaty of Saint Petersburg, which set the boundary between Russian America (Alaska) and British North America (Canada) at the 141st meridian west. However, the exact location of the boundary in some areas was disputed.

The negotiations led to the signing of the Alaska Boundary Treaty in 1903, which established the current border between Alaska and Canada. The treaty set the boundary along the 141st meridian west from the Arctic Ocean to Mount St. Elias, and then along a line from Mount St. Elias to the coast of the Pacific Ocean, granting most of the disputed territory to the United States.
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1912 - Mt. Katmai exploded, created Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes (Alaska)
In June 1912, Alaska's Mount Katmai erupted in one of the largest volcanic events in modern history. The eruption was so massive that it created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a vast, desolate landscape of ash and volcanic debris. The eruption was triggered by the collapse of the volcano's summit, which caused a massive explosion of ash and gas.

The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes got its name from the thousands of steam vents and fumaroles that emitted steam and gases, creating a surreal, smoke-filled valley. The eruption of Mount Katmai and the formation of the valley were significant events in the history of volcanology, as they provided scientists with valuable insights into the processes of volcanic eruptions and their aftermaths. The area is now part of Katmai National Park and Preserve, a popular destination for visitors interested in both the natural beauty and the geological history of the region.
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1915 - Record high temperature in Alaska was 100 degrees Fahrenheit at Fort Yukon.

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1935 - August 15 – Humorist Will Rogers and aviator Wiley Post are killed when Post's plane crashes shortly after takeoff near Barrow, Alaska.
On August 15, 1935, the world lost two remarkable individuals in a tragic plane crash near Barrow, Alaska. Will Rogers, a beloved humorist, actor, and social commentator, was known for his wit and wisdom that often touched on the political and social issues of the day. His down-to-earth humor endeared him to many, making him a household name across the United States.

Accompanying Rogers on that fateful flight was Wiley Post, a pioneering aviator who had become famous for being the first person to fly solo around the world. Post's adventurous spirit and skill in the cockpit had captured the imagination of people around the globe. The crash of their aircraft, shortly after takeoff, was a somber moment that echoed across the world, marking the end of two lives that had left a significant impact on their respective fields.
August 15. 1935

1942 - October 28 – The Alaska Highway is completed.
The completion of the Alaska Highway on October 28, 1942, marked a significant milestone in North American history. The highway, also known as the Alcan Highway, stretched over 1,500 miles, connecting Dawson Creek in British Columbia, Canada, to Delta Junction in Alaska, USA. It was constructed in response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941, which raised concerns about the vulnerability of the US to potential invasion through Alaska.

Construction of the highway was a remarkable feat, considering the harsh terrain and challenging weather conditions of the region. Thousands of soldiers, engineers, and laborers worked tirelessly to complete the project in just eight months, using little more than hand tools and explosives. The highway not only provided a vital link between the contiguous United States and Alaska but also facilitated the transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies during World War II. Its completion significantly improved access to and from... Read MORE...

February 3, 1947 - The temperature at Tanacross, AK, plunged to a record 75 degrees below zero.

WeatherForYou.com

1959 - Alaska became 49th state
In 1959, Alaska officially became the 49th state of the United States, marking a significant milestone in the history of the region. The path to statehood for Alaska was long and complex, reflecting the challenges of its remote location and unique cultural and geographical characteristics. The territory had been under U.S. control since the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867, but it wasn't until the mid-20th century that statehood became a real possibility.

The road to statehood was paved with debates over issues such as land rights, natural resource management, and the rights of Alaska Natives. Efforts to achieve statehood were buoyed by Alaska's strategic importance during World War II and the Cold War, as well as the economic potential of its vast resources. Finally, on January 3, 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Alaska Statehood Act into law, and Alaska was officially admitted to the Union on January 3, 1959. This event not only granted Alaska full... Read MORE...

1964 - March 1 - Thompson Pass, AK, finished the month with 346.1 inches of snow, a record monthly total for the state of Alaska.

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...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Alaska:
1. Denali National Park and Preserve:

Explore the stunning wilderness of Denali National Park, home to North America's highest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley). You can take bus tours, go hiking, or even try to spot wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, and wolves.

2. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve:

Witness the otherworldly beauty of glaciers calving into the sea in Glacier Bay. You can take a cruise through the bay to get up close to these massive ice formations and spot humpback whales, seals, and sea lions.

3. Kenai Fjords National Park:

Take a boat tour or go kayaking in Kenai Fjords National Park to see glaciers, seabirds, and marine life. You might also catch a glimpse of orcas and otters.

4. Anchorage:

Explore Alaska's largest city, Anchorage, and visit attractions like the Anchorage Museum, Alaska Native Heritage Center, and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Don't forget to take a scenic flightseeing tour from here.

5.... Read MORE...