Today In History
5 Fun Facts About December 3 In Alaska History
1. In 1992, the Exxon Valdez oil spill case settlement was announced on December 3. This disaster occurred in Prince William Sound, Alaska, in 1989 and is considered one of the worst oil spills in history. 2. On December 3, 1964, Alaska was hit by the strongest earthquake ever recorded...
5 Fun Facts About December 1 In Alaska History
1. The Alaska Constitutional Convention began on December 1, 1955. Delegates from all regions of the state met in Fairbanks to draft a new constitution for Alaska, which was later approved by voters and became effective on January 3, 1959, when Alaska officially became a state. 2. On December 1,...
5 Fun Facts About November 30 In Alaska History
1. Alaska became a U.S. territory on November 30, 1884, when President Chester A. Arthur signed the Organic Act into law. This act was responsible for the establishment of the legal structure of the territory, including the creation of the Territorial Legislature. 2. In 1964, November 30th was the day...
5 Fun Facts About November 29 In Alaska History
1. In 1919, the United States Congress passed the Alaska Railroad Act, which authorized the construction of a railway connecting the Alaskan port of Seward to Fairbanks. This transportation link was crucial for the development of Alaska's economy and played a key role in the state's growth throughout the 20th...
5 Fun Facts About November 27 In Alaska History
1. In 1899, the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition closed in Seattle, Washington. The exposition showcased the latest technology, art, and culture from Alaska and the Yukon, and helped promote the economic development of both regions. 2. In 1912, the Kodiak earthquake struck southern Alaska, registering a magnitude of 7.1 on the Richter...
5 Fun Facts About November 26 In Alaska History
1. In 1867, Secretary of State William H. Seward landed at Sitka, Alaska, to take possession of the territory from the Russians. The United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million. Later, the day was designated as Alaska Day, and it is celebrated every year on October 18th. 2....
5 Fun Facts About November 24 In Alaska History
1. Alaska became a state on November 24, 1959 - This historic day marked the culmination of years of effort by Alaskan leaders and citizens who worked tirelessly to achieve statehood for their vast and remote territory. 2. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act was signed into law on November...
5 Fun Facts About November 23 In Alaska History
1. In 1885, the town of Juneau was officially incorporated, becoming the capital of the Alaskan Territory just 10 years later. 2. In 1915, a devastating blizzard swept across the state, causing widespread damage and claiming numerous lives. 3. In 1942, the Japanese bombed Dutch Harbor on the Aleutian Islands,...
5 Fun Facts About November 22 In Alaska History
1. In 1964, a magnitude 9.2 earthquake (the most powerful ever recorded in North America) struck Alaska at 5:36pm on November 22, causing widespread damage and triggering a tsunami that devastated coastal communities. The earthquake and ensuing tsunami claimed 131 lives and caused over $2 billion in damage. 2. On...
5 Fun Facts About November 21 In Alaska History
1. In 1914, the first airplane in Alaska was flown by pilot Roy Jones between Fairbanks and McGrath. 2. In 1933, the Alaska Road Commission completed the first ice road for vehicles to cross the Tanana River near Fairbanks. 3. In 1945, the Alaska Territorial legislature passed a law prohibiting...
5 Fun Facts About November 19 In Alaska History
1. In 1864, the United States government officially transferred ownership of Alaska from Russia to the United States on November 19th. The purchase of Alaska, known as the Alaska Purchase, was one of the most significant land acquisitions in American history. 2. In 1902, the famous inventor Thomas Edison visited...
5 Fun Facts About November 18 In Alaska History
1. On November 18, 1922, the first commercial flight arrived in Alaska when a West Point graduate named Noel Wien and his partner landed their small airplane on a frozen lake in Fairbanks. This event marked the beginning of Alaska's aviation industry. 2. November 18, 1978, was a tragic day...