1. In 1867, the US Congress approved the purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million dollars. The deal was signed on March 30, but February 26 is often regarded as Alaska Day because it marks the date on which the Russian flag was lowered from the capital of Sitka, and the American flag was raised.
2. In 1885, at the Alaska Commercial Company building in Wrangell, an important meeting of chiefs from the Tlingit tribe took place. They discussed the idea of uniting all Tlingit tribes into one governing body, which eventually became known as the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.
3. In 1917, Governor John Strong signed into law Alaska's first prohibition act. The act aimed to ban the production, sale, and transportation of alcohol in the territory. However, it was largely ineffective due to poor enforcement, and the law was eventually repealed in 1933 following the end of national prohibition.
4. In 1943, the US Army established an army post and airfield in Anchorage, Alaska. Known as Fort Richardson, the post was used as a staging area for Army activities in Alaska during World War II. Today, it is home to the United States Army Alaska and is one of the largest employers in the Anchorage area.
5. In 1966, the town of Valdez, Alaska experienced a devastating earthquake that registered 8.5 on the Richter Scale. The earthquake caused massive property damage and landslides, and more than 30 people were killed. It remains one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded in North America.
5 Fun Facts About February 26 In Alaska History
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