Today In History
5 Fun Facts About June 30 In Alaska History
1. 1958 - Alaska became the 49th state of the United States and June 30 marks the day when the territory officially became a state, following a long and complicated process that involved several attempts at incorporation, various disagreements among lawmakers, and even a brief period of time when Alaska...
5 Fun Facts About June 26 In Alaska History
1. In 1977, oil was discovered in the Prudhoe Bay oil fields on Alaska's North Slope, marking the beginning of a major economic boom for the state. The discovery of oil helped fuel the state's economy for decades to come. 2. On June 26, 1912, pioneer aviator Carl Ben Eielson...
5 Fun Facts About June 23 In Alaska History
1. June 23, 1972: The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act became law. This landmark legislation granted Native Alaskans and their corporations ownership of over 44 million acres of land and more than $1 billion in compensation for lands taken by the US government. 2. June 23, 1983: The Exxon Valdez...
5 Fun Facts About June 22 In Alaska History
1. In 1879, the U.S. Signal Corps established a weather observation station in Sitka, Alaska. This was the first weather observation station in Alaska and marked the beginning of a long history of weather monitoring and forecasting in the state. 2. June 22, 1912 was a tragic day in Alaska's...
5 Fun Facts About June 18 In Alaska History
1. In 1867, the United States officially took possession of Alaska from Russia in a ceremony in Sitka, marking the end of the Russian presence in North America. 2. On June 18, 1908, a massive volcanic eruption occurred in the Katmai region of Alaska, leaving behind the rugged landscape and...
5 Fun Facts About June 17 In Alaska History
1. In 1938, the first road connecting Fairbanks to the rest of Alaska opened to the public on June 17. The Richardson Highway had previously connected Valdez to Fairbanks, but the new route allowed for more direct travel between Alaska's largest city and the state's interior. 2. In 1943, a...
5 Fun Facts About June 16 In Alaska History
1) In 1997, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck the Denali National Park area, causing widespread damage to roads, buildings, and infrastructure. 2) On June 16, 1955, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed construction of the Dalton Highway, a 414-mile road that connects Fairbanks to the Prudhoe Bay oil fields...
5 Fun Facts About June 15 In Alaska History
June 15 is a significant day in Alaska's history, marking several milestones and events that the state has experienced. Here are 5 interesting facts about June 15 in Alaska history: 1. In 1967, Alaska Governor Walter J. Hickel signed the agreement to construct the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), a 48-inch...
5 Fun Facts About June 13 In Alaska History
1. In 1942, Japanese forces attacked the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, beginning the Aleutian Islands Campaign during World War II. The invasion resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 American and Japanese soldiers. 2. On June 13, 1867, a treaty between Russia and the United States was signed in Sitka,...
5 Fun Facts About June 5 In Alaska History
1. In 1878, a US Geological survey team discovered copper in Malaspina Glacier, which would eventually lead to the establishment of the Kennecott Copper Corporation and a mining boom in the area. 2. In 1906, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition opened in Seattle, featuring exhibits and demonstrations showcasing the resources and culture...
5 Fun Facts About June 4 In Alaska History
1. In 1912, Congress passed the Alaska Native Allotment Act which provided for individual land allotments of up to 160 acres to Alaska Natives. This was a significant moment in Alaska’s history as it recognized the rights of Alaska Native people to their ancestral lands. 2. On June 4, 1942,...
5 Fun Facts About June 1 In Alaska History
1. On June 1, 1926, the Alaska Highway Commission was established to oversee the construction of a military highway through the territory during World War II. The highway allowed for easier transportation of military personnel and supplies, and also opened up new opportunities for civilian travel and commerce. 2. On...