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Tanana, Alaska is a small town nestled in the heart of the Alaskan bush. Founded by the Tanana Athabascan people thousands of years ago, the town has seen its fair share of historical events. Here are 7 noteworthy events that have taken place near Tanana.
1. Gold Rush - In 1893, prospectors discovered gold in nearby Eureka Creek. This sparked the Klondike Gold Rush, which saw thousands of people flock to Alaska in search of gold. Tanana became a bustling trading post during this time, with merchants selling food, supplies, and equipment to gold seekers.
2. Spanish Flu Outbreak - In 1918, the Spanish Flu swept through Alaska, killing thousands of people. Tanana was hit particularly hard, with many residents succumbing to the disease. The outbreak forced the town to close its schools and businesses for several months.
3. Dog Sled Race - The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual event that takes place in Alaska. The race runs from Anchorage to Nome and covers over 1,000 miles. The trail passes through Tanana, making it a popular spot for spectators to gather and cheer on the mushers.
4. Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act - In 1971, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was signed into law. This act gave Native Alaskans the right to claim land and financial compensation for land that had been taken from them in the past. This had a significant impact on Tanana and other Native communities in Alaska.
5. Trans-Alaska Pipeline - In the 1970s, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System was constructed. This pipeline runs from Prudhoe Bay on the North Slope of Alaska to the port of Valdez. Tanana was one of many communities that saw an influx of construction workers during this time.
6. Exxon Valdez Oil Spill - On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker ran aground in Prince William Sound, spilling millions of gallons of oil into the ocean. The spill devastated the region's wildlife and had a major impact on Alaska's fishing industry. Many communities, including Tanana, felt the effects of the spill.
7. Yupik Eskimo V. Hickel - In 1971, the Yupik Eskimo people of Alaska filed a lawsuit against the state of Alaska and the federal government, claiming that their fishing rights had been violated. The case, known as Yupik Eskimo V. Hickel, went all the way to the Supreme Court. The ruling in favor of the Yupik Eskimos had a major impact on Native fishing rights in Alaska.
Tanana, Alaska may be a small town, but it has played a significant role in some of Alaska's most important historical events. From gold rushes to oil spills and court cases, the town has seen its fair share of ups and downs over the years. Today, it remains a hub of traditional Athabascan culture and a popular destination for tourists looking to experience Alaska's wild beauty.
7 Pieces Of History Near Tanana, AK
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