Today In History
5 Fun Facts About May 31 In Alaska History
1. In 1911, Mount Katmai, a volcano in Alaska, erupted. The ash cloud produced by the eruption was one of the largest in history, reaching as high as 100,000 feet, and causing darkness in some areas for up to three days. 2. On May 31, 1929, a powerful earthquake struck...
5 Fun Facts About May 30 In Alaska History
1. In 1922, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition opened in Seattle, Washington, showcasing the natural resources and cultural heritage of Alaska and the Yukon Territory. The fair lasted for several months and attracted millions of visitors. 2. On May 30, 1957, Anchorage experienced a magnitude 8.6 earthquake, which remains the largest earthquake...
5 Fun Facts About May 28 In Alaska History
1. On May 28, 1986, the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry, M/V Malaspina, collided with a barge in dense fog near Ketchikan, Alaska. The accident resulted in the deaths of two crew members and significant damage to the vessel. 2. May 28, 1993, marked the 25th anniversary of the discovery...
5 Fun Facts About May 27 In Alaska History
1. In 1937, the town of Palmer, Alaska was incorporated. Named after George Palmer, who helped to establish the Matanuska Valley Colony, the town is now home to over 6,000 residents. 2. In 1964, the Great Alaskan earthquake rocked the state, causing widespread damage and claiming more than 130 lives....
5 Fun Facts About May 22 In Alaska History
1. In 1960, a devastating earthquake, known as the Great Alaska Earthquake, struck Alaska on May 22. With a magnitude of 9.2, it remains the strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America and the second-strongest earthquake recorded in the world. 2. May 22, 1969, marked the opening of the Trans-Alaska...
5 Fun Facts About May 19 In Alaska History
1. In 1906, the First Territorial Legislature of Alaska was established on May 19th, which paved the way for Alaska's eventual statehood. 2. May 19, 1984 was the date of the 50th running of the Mount Marathon Race in Seward, Alaska, one of the oldest mountain races in the United...
5 Fun Facts About May 3 In Alaska History
1. The Alaska State Capitol building in Juneau was dedicated on May 3, 1931. The building was designed by architect James Knox Taylor and cost $1.25 million to construct. Today, it serves as the official seat of government for the state of Alaska. 2. On May 3, 1954, the US...
5 Fun Facts About May 1 In Alaska History
1. May 1 was historically celebrated as "May Day" in Alaska, especially in the early 1900s when the state was still a territory. The holiday was a celebration of spring and the new growth season, and involved picnics, dancing, and other festivities. 2. On May 1, 1915, Mount Katmai in...
5 Fun Facts About April 21 In Alaska History
1. In 1966, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck southcentral Alaska, causing significant damage to Anchorage and surrounding communities. The earthquake was one of the largest to occur in the region and resulted in several deaths and injuries. 2. On April 21, 1970, the first Earth Day was celebrated nationwide, including...
5 Fun Facts About April 9 In Alaska History
1. In 1867, the United States Senate ratified the purchase of Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. This event became known as the Alaska Purchase or Alaska Day, celebrated annually on October 18th. However, April 9th marks the signing of the treaty between the two countries, making it an important...
5 Fun Facts About April 8 In Alaska History
1. On April 8, 1929, 200 reindeer were released on Chirikof Island in the Aleutian chain for the first time in an effort to establish a commercial herd. The effort was largely unsuccessful due to poor grazing conditions on the island. 2. On April 8, 1940, the Alaska Territorial Legislature...
5 Fun Facts About April 6 In Alaska History
1. On April 6, 1912, the town of Cantwell, Alaska was incorporated. Located in the heart of the state, Cantwell was originally a flag stop for the Alaska Railroad. Today, it serves as a gateway to the Denali National Park and Preserve. 2. In 1917, the Alaska Road Commission began...