Today In History
5 Fun Facts About September 29 In Alaska History
1. On September 29, 2008, the Anchorage Daily News reported that a new study had determined that Alaska's melting glaciers were contributing more water to the ocean than previously estimated. The study, by scientists at the University of Alaska Southeast, found that Alaska's glaciers were losing 75 billion tons of...
5 Fun Facts About September 28 In Alaska History
1. In 1901, the famous sled dog Balto was born in Nome, Alaska. He would go on to lead his team on the final leg of the serum run to Nome in 1925, delivering life-saving medicine to the town during a diphtheria epidemic. 2. On September 28, 1955, the U.S....
5 Fun Facts About September 25 In Alaska History
1. In 1888, the Arctic-bound steamship Jeannette arrived in St. Michael, Alaska. The vessel was on a mission to explore the Arctic Ocean and became the first American ship to sail through Bering Strait. It was eventually trapped in ice and sank, but the crew survived. 2. On September 25,...
5 Fun Facts About September 24 In Alaska History
1. In 1896, prospector George Carmack found gold on Rabbit Creek in what is now known as the Klondike Gold Rush. This discovery led to a rush of prospectors to the area and played a significant role in Alaska's economy. 2. On September 24, 1964, Alaska was hit by a...
5 Fun Facts About September 23 In Alaska History
1. On September 23, 1969, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System was approved by the U.S. government, allowing for the construction of a pipeline spanning over 800 miles from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. This project would become one of the largest engineering feats in history and would significantly impact the Alaskan economy....
5 Fun Facts About September 22 In Alaska History
1. On September 22, 1867, the U.S. flag was raised for the first time in Sitka, Alaska, signifying the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States. This event is now celebrated annually as Alaska Day. 2. In 1909, on September 22, the first airplane flight in Alaska was...
5 Fun Facts About September 21 In Alaska History
1. In 1971, on September 21st, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon. This act gave Native Alaskans the ability to claim ownership of their ancestral lands and make decisions regarding their own resources, culture, and future. 2. On September 21st, 1926, a...
5 Fun Facts About September 19 In Alaska History
1. On September 19, 1942, the Alaska Highway was officially opened for public use. This highway, stretching from Dawson Creek in British Columbia, Canada to Delta Junction in Alaska, was built during World War II as a military supply route to Alaska. It is still an important transportation route today....
5 Fun Facts About September 18 In Alaska History
1. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Alaska Game Law, which established hunting and fishing regulations aimed at ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of Alaska's wildlife resources. 2. In 1959, Alaska became the 49th state of the United States. The admission of Alaska as a state was the...
5 Fun Facts About September 17 In Alaska History
1. In 1964, a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 9.2 struck Alaska on September 17. This is known as the Great Alaska Earthquake and remains the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in North America. The earthquake caused massive destruction and triggered a tsunami that caused damage as far away...
5 Fun Facts About September 14 In Alaska History
1. In 1900, the Eagle Historical Society was established in Eagle, Alaska. It is the first historical society in Alaska. 2. In 1901, the Tanana Valley Railroad was established in Fairbanks, Alaska. The railroad played a significant role in the gold rush of the early 20th century. 3. In 1938,...
5 Fun Facts About September 11 In Alaska History
1. September 11, 2001 was a significant day in Alaska's aviation history, as all flights were grounded in the state following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. The state's major airports, including Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, were filled with stranded passengers. 2. The...