, Alaska, USA
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 Alaska, opening up the region for development and economic growth in the years that followed.

October 28, 1942

Visit Alaska, USA
Discover the people who lived there, the places they visited and the stories they shared.