Yakutat Borough - AKGenWeb - History Timeline

YAKUTAT BOROUGH - SURFING CAPITAL OF ALASKA (REALLY!)

HISTORICAL EVENTS TIMELINE FOR ALASKA


100 million BC	Land masses collided about this time and created Alaska.
20,000 BC	Ancient people from Siberia crossed the Bering land bridge about this time and began their southward migration into the Americas.
10,000 BC	The first humans to stay in Alaska are thought to have arrived more than 10,000 years ago and are the ancestors of today's Alaska Natives.
8,000 BC	Ice Age ending - rising waters cover land bridge.
500-900 AD	At Barrow, the Birnirk culture, is represented by a group of 16 dwelling mounds and is considered a key link between the prehistoric cultures of Alaska and Canada.
1579	Sir Francis Drake's Secret Voyage to Northwest America brought him to Alaska's southeast (Chatham Strait, south of Juneau, between Baranof Island and Kulu Island).
1725	Peter the Great dies and Empress Catherine becomes head of Russia. Vitus Bering explored Northwest coast; established Russia's claim
1728	Vitus Bering discovered St. Lawrence Island. Bering sailed through Bering Strait
1733	Bering's second expedition, with George Wilhelm Steller aboard, the first naturalist to visit Alaska.
1741	June 4 - Vitus Bering on the St. Peter and Alexei Chirikov on the St. Paul set sail from Kamchatka, Siberia. On June 20 they lose sight of each other in a storm and continue on their separate voyages. July 15 - Aleksei Chirikov along with the Danish Explorer, Vitus Bering, sights the Aleutian Islands. Chirikov, in command of the ship the St. Paul, sighted what is believed to be Prince of Wales Island of the Alexander Archipelago. Chirikov sights land and drops the anchor of the St. Paul. After losing two crews sent to shore to explore, he continues on to Unalaska and probably the island of Adak. He also loses some of his crew to disease and scurvy, before returning to Kamchatka.Bering's ship, the St. Peter, had sailed a more northerly direction and came upon Kayak Island the next day July 18 - Vitus Bering sights Mount St. Elias in North America. He and his men were shipwrecked on Avacha Island off of Kamchatka and many died of disease and lack of food. December 8 - Bering dies on the island of Avacha and is buried there. The island is later renamed Bering Island.
1745	Russian fur traders first sight Attu and land there to trade with the natives. Several natives were killed
1764	Unalaska natives, tired of attrocities committed upon them by the Russians, strike back. Four Russian ships were destroyed.
1768	Pribalof discovers the seal islands in the Bering Sea, north of the Aleutians that now bear his name.
1774	Charles III of Spain fears Russian expansion; sends expeditions north along northwest coast of North America. Spanish navigator Juan Perez sailed from California to Prince William Sound. He is driven back by storms, but the Spanish returned in the Sonora the following year, venturing as far as Mt. Edgecume near Sitka. Juan Perez discovered Prince of Wales Island, Dixon Sound. Spain leaves few traces except place names such as Malaspina Glacier and Valdez.
1776	British Captain James Cook of England searches for Northwest Passage. His maps of northern North America prove that America and Asia are separate land masses and remain the standard for over a century.
1778	British Captain James Cook explores the Alaskan coast, seeking the Northwest Passage back to the Atlantic. On the Discovery he maps and names Mount Edgecumbe, Prince William Sound, Bristol Bay and Norton Bay. On the way back to England his crew almost mutinied, wanting to go back to Alaska, after stopping in China and discovering how much sea otter pelts were worth.
1784	First white settlement (Russian) established at Three Saints Bay on Kodiak Island by Grigorii Shelikov
1786	Gerasim Pribilof discovers Saint George Island
1787	Peter and Paul Island discovered (now called Saint Paul Island)
1788	Russians enslave Aleuts to hunt fur seals
1789	First American expedition sets out for northwestern North American to compete with British and Russians for fur trade.
1790	Aleksandr Andreevich Baranoff embarks for Alaska. He is shipwrecked off of Unalaska. 5 of his crew members were killed by the Kolosh natives and the remainder nearly starved to death while spending winter there. The following spring he and his men travel by sealskin boats to Three Saints, arriving in June of 1791.
1791	British Captain George Vancouver explores Northwest Coast exhaustively with two ships, but finds no Northwest Passage
1794	Aleksandr Andreyevich Baranov builds first ocean-going vessel in northwestern America on the Kenai Peninsula at Voskressenski.
1795	The first Russian Orthodox Church established in Kodiak.
1797	United American Company formed as a merger of 19 traders and trading companies to trade, explore, colonize and Christianize Alaska.
1799	Czar Paul grants a charter to Shelekhov's Russian-American Company for exclusive rights in the fur trade in Alaska. Baranov leads 1110 men to Sitka. After purchasing land from the Tlingits, they begin to build the town of New Archangel (later renamed Sitka). Violating order against doing business with foreigners Baranov made friends with James Shields, an English naval officer experienced in ship building. Baranov engaged Shields to construct a vessel. When it was finished the ship was christened the Phoenix. It was used in American waters and made two voyages to Siberia. Its chief value was symbolic. Two French ships visit Alaska - one reaching Frenchman's Bay and the other Sitka Bay.
1800	Baranov returns to Kodiak. In his absence the Tlingits burn New Archangel, killing and capturing some 600 people. New Archangel (later Sitka) is recaptured and rebuilt, two years later.
1802	In Baranov's absence the Tlingits burn New Archangel, killing and capturing some 600 people. New Archangel (later Sitka) is recaptured and rebuilt, two years later. After the attack on Old Sitka, Baranov was forced to pay 10,000 rubles ransom for surviving settlers.
1804	Russians attacked Kiksadi fort on Indian River; Russians lost. Baranov returned to Sitka with a large contingent of Russians and Aleuts, and the Russian warship Neva. The ship destroyed the Native village and its occupants. Baranov immediately began to build the settlement of New Archangel, now known as Sitka.
1808	Unalaska's first Russian Orthodox church constructed
1812	Russians complete the settlement of Fort Ross (Russ) on Bodega Bay, north of the Russian River in California. This settlement was founded to provide foodstocks for Sitka, AK.
1815	Otto von Kotzebue, an Estonian German, sets out on Russian round-the-world expedition; visits St. Lawrence Island and Unalaska during summer.The Romanzov Expedition led to naming of Escholtz Bay, Chamisso Island and Wildlife Refuge, the city of Kotzebue, and to many botanical discoveries on land and in Alaskan waters.
1820	Czar Alexander declared that Russian influence in North America extended as far south as Oregon and closed Alaskan waters to foreigners.
1821	Russian Trading Charter is renewed extending Russian jurisdiction to 51st parallel. During this period, the Hudson's Bay Company, chartered by the British, was trying to gain a foothold in the Alaska fur trade. The British made a deal with the Russians to lease the mainland south of Cape Spencer for 10 years at an annual payment of 2,000 land otter skins. The British were a presence in Alaska for the next 30 years. Tlingits are allowed to return and rebuild a village at Sitka on their pre-empted land. Their new settlement is called The Ranche.
1823	December 2 President James Monroe, seeking to exclude European intervention in the New World, issues the Monroe Doctrine.
1824	Treaty signed between the United States and Russia which designates the southern border of Russian America at 54°40'. This treaty also re-opened all harbors in the region to fishing and trading. Ivan Popov, later known as Ioann Veniaminov arrives at Unalaska as a missionary. While he preaches he learns the Aleut language and creates an Aleut dictionary. Russians begin exploration of mainland that leads to discovery of Nushagak, Kuskokwim, Yukon, and Koyokuk Rivers.
1825	Point Barrow is named for Sir John Barrow of the British Admiralty by Captain Beechey of the Royal Navy. Feb 22, Russia and Britain established the Alaska/Canada boundary.
1834	Ivan Popov, later known as Ioann Veniaminov moves from the Aleutians to Sitka and learns the Tlingit language in order to minister the natives.
1839	Dena’ina population decimated by smallpox
1841	Ivan Popov is appointed Bishop of Russia America and Siberia and is re-named Ioann Veniaminov.
1847	Fort Yukon established
1848	The onion-domed St. Michael's Cathedral is built in Sitka.
1849	Russian Mining engineer discovers gold and coal on Kenai Peninsula.
1853	Oil seeps in Cook Inlet discovered by employees of Russian-America Company.
1857	Coal mining begins at Coal Harbor on Kenai Peninsula to supply steamers. The Russian-American Company was suffering from financial difficulties and the Tzar wanted to revoke the charter. The company had been beaten by the Hudson's Bay Company in the fur trade. The British company had better and cheaper items to trade with the Natives for furs. The Company tried new business ventures. It opened a coal mine at Port Graham. By 1857 the mine produced enough coal to support the colony. Surplus coal was taken to San Francisco but it was sold at a loss. The company quit the venture. It also failed at whaling because it could not compete with the more efficient Americans. The ice trade prospered, but it was not enough to justify the company's existence. The company's long tenure in the Americas soon came to an end.
1861	Gold is discovered at Telegraph Creek at the Stikine River near Wrangell by Buck Choquette.
1865	Western Union Telegraph Company prepares to put telegraph line across Alaska and Siberia. Last shot of the Civil War fired in Alaskan waters
1867	Russia sold (present-day) Alaska (375 million acres) to United States for $7.2 million (about 2 cents per acre). Many called this "Seward's Folly" because little was known about Alaska, other than its cold climate. Fur seal population, stabilized under Russian rule, declines rapidly. Major General Jefferson C. Davis, U.S. Army, assumes command of the Department of Alaska. A decade of military rule begins
1868	Alaska designated Department of Alaska. First Alaska newspaper, "The Sitka Times," is published by Thomas Murphy
1869	Sitka Times, first Alaskan newspaper, published
1870	Gold found at Sumdum Bay, SE Alaska.
1871	A whaling fleet of 32 ships was abandoned off Icy Cape in the Chukchi Sea. Seven other vessels escaped with all the crew members saved. In 1998 an attempt was made to locate the shipwreck site.
1872	Gold discovered near Sitka at Indian River.
1873	Jack McQuestern, Arthur Harper and Alfred Mayo begin prospecting along the Yukon River.
1874	George Halt first white man to cross Chilkoot Pass in search for gold
1876	Gold discovered south of Juneau
1877	The US Army leaves Alaska and chaos ensues. First mission school for natives is founded. The first known attempt to climb Mt. St. Elias was made by Professor Charles H. Taylor, of Chicago. He was accompanied by Lieutenant C. E. S. Wood of the United States Army.
1878	First Alaska fish cannery opens in Klawock.
1879	Naturalist John Muir canoes throughout Southeast Alaska and discovers Glacier Bay. (When Vancouver passed 80 years earlier the bay was still totally full of ice.) Muir's reports inaugurate tourism to the territory.
1880	In 1880, George Pilz, a German-born mining school graduate living in Sitka, grubstaked his employee Joe Juneau and another man, Richard Harris. The two men went prospecting in the vicinity of Gastineau Channel. Harris and Juneau named the creek where they found placer gold, Gold Creek, and they named Silver Bow Basin at the head of the creek. A mining district was established and called Harrisburg, and soon a town first named Harrisburg, then Rockwell, and finally Juneau began to flourish at a shallow bay called Miners Cove. First census of Alaska taken.
1881	Parris Lode claim staked near Juneau and by 1885 is Alaska's most famous mine -- the Treadwell. In 1881 John Treadwell, a promoter, obtained a claim from a prospector known as French Pete for a sum ranging from $5 to $400, depending upon one's source of information. The claim was located on Douglas Island. A Geologist had said the site contained only low-grade ore. It was worthless to French Pete, who did not possess the capital to develop it. Treadwell recognized its potential and developed a very profitable enterprise. The year-round employment at the mine gave the town an economic base. Eventually, four mines were opened -- the Treadwell, the 700, the Mexican, and the Ready Bullion -- and five stamp mills.
1882	First Alaska salmon canneries are built in central Alaska. First commercial herring fishing begins at Killisnoo. U.S. Navy bombs, then burns Tlingit village of Angoon.
1884	Steamers begin bringing first tourists to Alaska. Congress passes First Organic Act; $15,000 appropriated to educate Alaska Native children.
1885	Lieutenant Henry Allen reached St. Michael after exploring the Copper and Yukon Rivers.
1886	Howard Franklin strikes Gold on Fortymile River ln Interior Alaska. The unfortunate New York Times expedition to Mt. St. Elias, led by Lieutenant Schwatka did not succeed in reaching even the base mountain.
1887	Congress creates the Indian Reservation of Metlakatla on Annette Island. Around 1887, Reverend William Duncan brought 1,000 Tsimshian followers from Metlakatla in British Columbia to Annette Island. On land obtained through a congressional grant he built a new Metlakatla, designed to make the Natives self-sufficient. They were taught trades such as carpentry, seamanship, and boat-building, built their own sawmills and a cannery, and engaged in other enterprises. Swedish Evangelical Covenant Church missionaries, Adolf Lydell and Exel E. Karlsson, arrive in Alaska. Karlsson goes to Unalakleet. Lydell goes to Yakutat but returns to San Francisco that summer. (July) The Topham expedition, led by Messrs Topham of the Royal Geographic Society and Mr. William Williams of the National Geographic Society reached the height of 11, 460 feet on Mt. St. Elias.
1888	Alexander King discovers gold on Kenai Peninsula near Turnagain Arm. (July 4th) Swedish Evangelical Covenant Church missionary Lydell returns with Karl Johan Hendrickson to Yakutat. Lydell returns to states at the end of summer due to health problems. Hendrickson stays.
1889	(May 11th) Rev. Albin Johnson arrives in Yakutat. The Mission Covenant of Sweden hands over the Alaska Missions to the Swedish Mission Covenant of America.
1890	First oil claims are staked in Cook Inlet. Dr. Sheldon Jackson explores Arctic Coast; brings reindeer husbandry into Alaska. Large corporate salmon canneries begin to appear. Israel C. Russell, sponsored by the National Geographic Society, returned from an expedition to Mt. St. Elias with fossil bearing rocks. Professor Israel C. Russell with National Geographic Society attempts Mt. St. Elias; He made it to 9,500 feet.
1891	Miss Agnes Wallin arrives in Yakutat and marries Johnson. Miss Selma Peterson arrives, stays until 1899? Agnes Carlson arrives but returns the same year because of illness. Yakutat Mission receives Steam-Saw in fall. Missionary Hendrickson is given permission by Chicago to build a new mission "a place about 60 miles from Yakutat". (The settlement at Dry Bay) Yakutat Mission gladly accepts the government annual subsidy of 90 dollars for each child in children's home and 30 dollars for children enrolled in day school. Professor Russell makes a second attempt at Mt. St. Elias; this time reaching an altitude of 14,500 feet.
1893	Gold discovered near Hope, Rampart and Circle. Cape Smythe Whaling and Trading Station built near Barrow and is the oldest frame building in the Arctic. January 8th. Yakutat Children's home burns-everything is lost. Hendrickson starts rebuilding with the help of the Saw. New Mission is completed. New houses are built for village with Missionary Saw Mill.
1894	Gold discovery on Mastadon Creek; founding of Circle City
1896	1896 - Dawson City founded at mouth of Klondike River. George Washington Carmack, Tagish Charlie and Skookum Jim make a discovery on Bonanza Creek, setting off the great Klondike Gold Rush. Yakutat missionary Hilda Peterson arrives, but returns the next summer because her mother wanted her home.
1896-1900	Discovery of Gold on a Yukon River tributary brings 100,000 people to Alaska and the Yukon Territory
1896	James Girdwood stakes placer claim at Crow Creek
1897	Jul 15, The gold-laden ship Excelsior from Alaska landed in San Francisco. Seattle mayor W.D. Wood was visiting and immediately resigned his job, hired a ship, and organized an expedition from SF to the Yukon territory. Jul 17, The Steamer Portland arrived into Seattle from Alaska with 68 prospectors carrying more than a ton of gold. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer announced that men with gold from Alaska were landing. This unleashed the Klondike gold rush and tens of thousands headed for the Yukon. U.S. Army establishes Fort St.Michael, first of six Gold Rush posts. 1897-1902 - The Jesup North Pacific Expedition was made to study the biological and cultural connections between peoples on each side of the Bering Strait. It was one of the first instances where a camera was used in such a study. First shipment of fresh halibut sent south from Juneau.
1898	Construction began on the White Pass & Yukon railroad. It was led by Big Mike Heney, a Canadian Railway contractor, and Sir Thomas Tancred, who represented the British financiers. The Klondike gold rush was in full swing. Congress extends Homesteading Act to Alaska Libby Partners make first major gold strike on Melsing and Ophir Creeks Sixty five people die in Chilkoot Pass Avalanche. Skagway is largest city in Alaska. Soapy Smith killed in Skagway. The "Three Luck Swedes" discover gold on Seward Peninsula.
1899	Gold is discovered on the beaches of Nome and many prospectors who had been unsuccessful in the Yukon move westward to try again. Local government organized in Nome. The White Pass & Yukon railroad was completed. The U.S. Revenue Marine service steamer Nunivak entered the Yukon River to commence patrol duties.
1900	First exploratory well is drilled in Cook Inlet. Capital moves from Sitka to Juneau. 20,000 gold miners on Nome beach. Alexander McKenzie and Judge Arthur H. Noyes arrive ln Nome and start a fraudulent scheme to seize rich mining claims. The 110-mile White Pass & Yukon narrow-gauge railroad from Skagway to Whitehorse, the Alaska-British Columbia border, was completed. The Nome Daily Chronicle began publication. In September it changed to weekly publication and the following June it closed down. The USS Wheeling arrived in Sitka from the Philippines after taking part in the Spanish-American War. Mr. August Berggren arrivesin Yakutat to be a school teacher, leaves in 1904. Hilda Anderson arrives. Anderson leaves in 1902. Died January 27, 1903. Influenza epidemic hits Alaska
1901	E.T. Barnette opened a trading post on the Chena River. A town formed that came to be called Chenoa City and was later renamed Fairbanks.
1902	First oil production in Alaska. Felix Pedro discovers gold near Fairbanks. Pedro and merchant Barnette played leading role in the establishment of Fairbanks. Barnette, who had been a trader for several years in Circle, came down the Tanana River in 1901. He anchored the ship that his chartered ship on the Chena River, a tributary of the Tanana, in August of 1901. Persuaded by Pedro of the area's potential, he established his store there. A town grew up and named for the vice president of the United States at that time, Charles Fairbanks. President Theodore Roosevelt establishes the Tongass National Forest.
1903	Jan 24, U.S. Secretary of State John Hay and British Ambassador Herbert created a joint commission to establish the Alaskan border. Oct 20, A joint commission ruled in favor of the United States in a boundary dispute between the District of Alaska and Canada. U.S. Senator W. P. Dillingham arrived at Sitka on the Revenue Cutter McCullouch on a tour of Alaska. The town of Dillingham was later named for him. The Santa Ana landed 200 people at Seward. The date was long observed there as Founders Day. Miss Jennie Olson arrives in Yakutat as a school teacher.
1904	Last great Tlingit potlatch held in Sitka. Washington Alaska Military Cable and Telegraph System (WAMCATS) begins to lay submarine cable between Seattle, Sitka, and Valdez linking Alaska to "Outside." (Fall) Edward Anton Rasmuson (E. A. Rasmuson) arrivesin Yakutat to be a teacher.
1905	Yakutat - (April 28) Edward Rasmuson marries Jennie Olson.
1906	Nome Kennel Club organizes to promote sled dog racing. First message is telegraphed from Fairbanks to Valdez. 1906 Alaska Native Allotment Act passed. -This act, passed by Congress, gave Alaska Natives the right to choose up to 160 acres of land, which they occupied or used. Many of the allotments chosen during these years are rural, undeveloped fishing, hunting, and gathering sites. Gold discovered in Chadalar District. Alaska territorial capital is moved from Sitka "the Paris of the Pacific" to Juneau. The first official election was held to name a Delegate in Congress for Alaska. Actually, two Delegates were elected: Frank Waskey for a short term, Thomas Cale for a full term. The Alaska Packers Assoc. bought the square-rigged Balclutha ship and renamed it Star of Alaska. It carried workers to the Chignick Cannery and transported them back after the salmon season. In Alaska Dr. Frederick Cook claimed to have taken a picture of his companion, Edward Barrill, from the summit of Mt. McKinley. In 1998 it was reported that the photo was a fake, and that they probably never reached the summit. A fire burned down most of downtown Fairbanks.
1908	Alaska Road Commission surveys route from Seward to Nome, later called the Iditarod Trail. The first automobile in Fairbanks, a Pope-Toledo, arrived for David Laite The first sled dog race to receive national attention, the All-Alaska Sweepstakes, was held in Nome, AK. Yakutat - A temperance Society is organized with 40 members. It stipulated fines in case of violation of its rules.
1909	The George C. Thomas Memorial Library was dedicated at Fairbanks. Yakutat - The Rasmuson's give birth to a son named Elmer, the first non-native born in Yakutat. Elmer Rasmuson goes on to inherit his Dad's banking business and builds up the Bank of Alaska from a struggling bank in to the largest bank in Alaska. Elmer died in 2000 at the age of 91. Mrs. Rebekah B. Young arrivesin Yakutat to be a teacher from San Rafael, CA.
1910	The "Sourdoughs," four Kantishna miners, make first ascent of Mt. McKinley's North Peak. Ruby gold stampede begins.
1911	Kennicott copper mines begin production. July 7th - US, Canada, Russia, Great Britain, Japan sign an agreement in Washington D.C. to preserve the fur seal in the North Pacific. Jun 4, Gold was discovered in Alaska's Indian Creek. G/s F.S. Redfield stranded on Cape Prince of Wales. All 23 people aboard survived. Yakutat - (July 1) Reverend E. M. Axelson arrives with his wife Nellie to be teachers.
1912	Mt. Katmai exploded, created Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes. The Alaska Native Brotherhood is founded in Sitka. Aug 24, By an act of Congress, Alaska was given a territorial legislature of two houses. President William Howard Taft signed the Organic Act which created the Territory of Alaska. The signing took place on the birthday of Delegate James Wickersham, author of the bill.
1913	First Alaska Territorial Legislature convened; women granted voting rights. Gold found at Marshall.
1914	Congress authorized construction of Alaska Railroad. Surveying begins for Alaska Railroad; Anchorage starts as construction camp on Ship Creek. Gold discovered at Livengood, near Fairbanks.
1915	Alaska Native Sisterhood holds first convention in Sitka. First Alaska Railroad Anchorage townsite auction. Pioneer School established as Anchorage’s first school
1916	First bill for Alaska statehood introduced; Alaskans voted in favor of prohibition In Anchorage, baseball diamond and grandstands built.Joe Spenard holds first ice carnival on Lake Spenard "Skookum Jim" the miner who discovered the gold that led to the Klondike Gold Rush, dies penniless in Dawson, Yukon Territory..
1917	Pribilof fur seal exports exceed $274,000. Total Alaska fur exports: $1,338,599. Treadwell Mine caves in at Douglas. All-Alaska Mid-Winter Carnival first held. The first boarding schools established by Catholic, Moravian, and Lutheran Churches.
1918	Alaska salmon pack exceeds six million cases, valued at over $51 million. The Alaska Air Expedition from New York to Nome is successful. The Alaska Air Expedition was sponsored by the US Army. The "Black Wolf" squadron of wheeled biplanes landed at Wrangell, Fairbanks, Ruby, and finally at Nome's Fort Davis. For Alaska, the flight was significant because it demonstrated that airplanes capable of carrying heavy loads could fly to and across Alaska. Train service established between Anchorage and Seward Father William Duncan died at Metlakatla, a town he was instrumental in founding in 1887.
1920	Anchorage is incorporated as a city. The cannery of the Straits Packing Company burned at Skowl Arm of Kasaan Bay. Juneau had its first airplane overflight when one of the four planes of the Black Wolf Squadron passed over on its way to Nome.
1922	Alaska Agricultural College & School of Mines, later the University of Alaska, opens at College near Fairbanks. When it opened in 1922, the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines had six students, one building, and an annual budget of $30,000. It became the University of Alaska in 1935 and has since added campuses at Anchorage and Juneau. Feb 6, The Washington Disarmament Conference came to an end with signature of final treaty forbidding fortification of the Aleutian Islands for 14 years. Roy Jones makes the first floatplane trip up the Inside Passage; such small aircraft revolutionize travel in the bush. A fire at Haines destroyed the post office and other buildings. Dr. Hall Young's first visit to Yakutat. He offers to take over Yakutat Mission. E. B. Larson stays for almost a year in Yakutat before going to Unalakleet.
1923	President Warren G. Harding died suddenly of an embolism in San Francisco on August 2, 1923, during a return trip form Alaska. Born November 2, 1865, in Corsica, Ohio, Harding was elected the 29th U.S. president in 1920. He had just driven the “Golden Spike” to complete the Alaska Railroad line from Seward to Fairbanks, near the village of Nenana. Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 4 is created. Yakutat - Miss Elsa Johnson makes a short visit.
1924	Congress extends citizenship to all American Indians. William L. Paul, a Tlingit, is the first Alaska Native elected to Territorial Legislature Airmail delivery began. The railroad made it to Fairbanks. Eklutna Industrial School established in Anchorage Fire destroyed the power plant at the Kennecott mine.
1925	January, Dr. Curtis Welch in Nome began diagnosing cases of diphtheria. An emergency delivery of serum against the disease was arranged by dogsled. 20 mushers rushed the serum 674 miles from Nenana to Nome in 5 days. The last leg of the journey was run by Gunnar Kaasen and his lead dog Balto. An animated film on Balto was made in 1995 by Stephen Spielberg. The longest segment of the journey, 260 miles, was run by Leonhard Seppala and his lead dog Togo. The events were later described by Bill Sherwonit in his book: "Iditarod: the Great Race to Nome." Glacier Bay National Monument was dedicated in Alaska. Anchorage Golf Club organized. Alaska Voter's literacy act -This act made it a requirement that all voters in the state of Alaska must be literate. This act served to prevent many Alaska Natives from participating in Alaska elections.
1926	13-year old Benny Benson won contest for design of Alaska flag. Alaska Native Townsite Act -The Alaska Native Townsite Act permitted homesteading in lands in the immediate vicinity of Native Villages. The federal government also began to create reservations within the state of Alaska. Many of these reservations remained until the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. First homestead established in South Anchorage by Thomas Hogan A Statue of Balto, a famous lead dog in the 674 mile serum run that saved the town of Nome the year before, was erected in NYC's Central Park. K. J. Hendrickson visits Yakutat.
1928	Court case resolves the right of Native children to attend public school.
1929	Pioneer aviator Russell Merrill disappears while crossing Cook Inlet Yakutat - 10 people have died and 9 born. 2 adults and 7 children baptized. 1 Marriage and 2 divorces.
1930	Merrill Field opened in Anchorage The New England Fish Company starts business in Yakutat. Fishing is good. Salmon prices are 32 cents a pound. Yakutat Mission adopted the official name of "Covenant Thlinket Church".
1931	Col. and Mrs. Charles A. Lindbergh landed at Barrow en route to the Orient. Yakutat - The ANB holds its annual Convention in Yakutat for the first time. An addition was built on the church (22 feet by 18 feet). This is a platform for the choir, organ and orchestra. The new addition was dedicated on Easter Sunday. A light plant was obtained with the help of the missionaries. A 50-horse power diesel engine. 35 KW generator that can provide power for the entire community. The Forest Service builds a road from the old village to the new village, approximately 1 1/2 miles long. Estimated cost of $35,000. Yakutat Mission obtains a Maxwell Car. Alaska School services builds a small hospital??? Native Education transferred from Bureau of Education to Bureau of Indian Affairs A School convention with representatives from Christian groups in southern Alaska met and Axelson was a delegate.
1932	Salmon prices are very low, only 4 1/2 cents a pound for Salmon. The Civil Works Administration provides relief work during the winter in the amount of 10 thousand dollars.
1933	Fishing is poor. Few fish are caught and prices are low. The Civil Works Administration spent nearly 10,000 dollars in "relief work" at Yakutat. The money was spent on "building streets, and beautifying the school and hospital grounds (we have an emergency hospital at Yakutat), the village as a whole benefited greatly through this work. "Common deer" was planted under the CWA program. The Bureau of Indian Affairs sent a shipment of reindeer meet which was distributed nearly free of charge. Rev. H. Carlson visited from Rockford, Illinois.
1934	Yakutat - E. M. Axelson reports that that "The health of the Alaska natives is very poor, largely through the fearful ravages of tuberculosis." An economically difficult year for Yakutat. Axelsons celebrate their 25-year Wedding anniversary. (Sept. 25th)
1935	Aug 15, Humorist Will Rogers, American comedian and "cowboy philosopher," and aviation pioneer Wiley Post were killed when their airplane crashed near Point Barrow, Alaska. Alton C. Nordale, a Territorial Legislator, died in a plane crash near Healy River. Matanuska Valley Project established and 202 farmers colonize Matanuska Valley; 900 gold mine workers struck for 40 days Yakutat - 85 enrolled in Sunday school, from "wee tots" to twenty years old. "The fur catch was unusually light and the prices rather low, and there was very little of other work to be had."
1936	Congress extends the Indian Reorganization Act to Alaska. -Six reservations were created through this act. Sixty-six Alaska Native villages and two regional native entities were organized under this act. Nell Scott of Seldovia becomes the first woman elected to the Territorial Legislature.
1937	First Fur Rendezvous held by Chamber of Commerce Yakutat - 50 year Anniversary of Alaska Missions. Axelson writes article in the Covenant Weekly. A good price was paid for the salmon this summer. C.C.C. work was done through the winter. About 20 young people left to attend school around Alaska.
1938	Kennicott Mine closes at McCarthy. A Pan-American Airways "Baby Clipper" landed on the Juneau airfield in a trial flight. Yakutat - Commisioner Trefzger resigned after being taken to court. A dry law for Indians only was introduced but was not passed. Young people have left Yakutat to attend schools. 6 to Sitka Presbyterian School. 6 to Haines (Presbyterian?) school and 15 divided between the Government School in Wrangell and the Catholic School in Skagway. The choir and string band is led by Wm. Benson. 8 children baptized. 8 died. 2 from "drinking poisonous liquor and one was shot and killed during a drunken brawl."
1939	Providence Hospital opens in Anchorage Yakutat - "During the fishing season several of the leaders in the Alaska Native Brotherhood…" came to Yakutat to fish. Two of them Presbyterian and one was Greek Catholic. Their presence had a positive effect on the townspeople. Seven births, 8 deaths, 7 baptized. 4 marriages, 3 in the church. E. M. Axelson was issued a license by the judge of the District Court in Juneau to marry people. This saved people money in having to go to Juneau. Axelson's service was free, plus he gave a wedding gift of 5 dollars. A good year from a "material standpoint". Construction of a radio beacon here during the winter brought employment and good pay to many. Besides, the C. C. C. kept everyone busy all winter doing odd jobs around the village. Axelson hoped for a water and sanitary system, but it was not built. "…the insanitary and health conditions of the people are largely due to lack of adequate water system." "The Native people of Yakutat have applied to the Secretary of Interior for a reservation."
1940	Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Air Force Base established Yakutat - Native majority displaced by non-natives in Alaska. -Natives were the majority population prior to 1940. During World War II, they became a minority and today represent only 16% of the population. T. M. Italio dies. "…he was singularly fitted as interpreter and always on had at the meetings. As interpreter he served since way back during the days of Johnson and Henrickson, a truly great Indian pioneer in the Christian work at Yakutat" Mrs. Mary Shakokwan Jackson dies. "She has been with us from the beginning; one of the first converts, she kept the faith in season and out of season until the Lord took her home. Except in time of illness she never missed a meeting. She was always ready with prayers and testimony to glorify her Savior. 11 people died. 9 children baptized. 3 couples married. Mail service is now from Seattle twice a month by commercial steamer. Government transports are arriving every week with men and supplies. Construction on the landing field is in full swing. 250 enlisted army men have arrived. The work on the radio beam station is finished.
1941	Stanley and Edla arrive in Yakutat to replace the Axelsons.
1942	Japan bombs Dutch Harbor; invades Attu and Kiska in the Aleutian Islands. Sep 16, The Japanese base at Kiska in the Aleutian Islands was raided by American bombers. Pioneer Service Road (Alaska-Canada Military Highway) is built between February 14th and September 24th from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska. Whittier Tunnel completed
1943	Upgrading and bridge building continues on the Alaska Highway providing first start for some of today's largest construction contractors. American forces retake the Aleutian Islands, Attu and Kiska, from the Japanese. Secretary of the Interior creates the Venetie Reservation.
1944	Alaska-Juneau Gold Mine shuts down.
1946	Boarding school for Native high school students opens at Mt. Edgecumbe. Universal Services was formed in 1946 to provide catering and other support services for the civilian workforce rebuilding defense bases in Alaska. Extensive work was then developed with the oil industry that was expanding its exploration activity in Alaska. As the search for energy moved to other parts of the world, Universal followed. An Anchorage landmark, Austin “Cap” Lathrop’s 4th Avenue Theatre opens doors. The Fur Rendezvous World Championship Sled Dog Race debuted in Anchorage, AK, and has been run nearly every year since. A sprint race, teams in the event traveled a short distance (~25 miles) several days in a row. The Open North American Sled Dog Race was first run in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Open North American is also a sprint race, with teams traveling 20 miles on day one and two, and 30 miles on day three. Yakutat - Maynard Londborgs arrive to replace the Bensons.
1947	The Alaska Command is established; first unified command of the US Army, Air Force, and Navy. First Alaska Native land claims suit, filed by Tlingit and Haida people, introduced in US Court of Claims.
1948	Alaska Highway opens to civilian traffic. Alaskans vote to abolish fish traps by a 10 to 1 margin. Yakutat - August - The Hedge Hamiltons arrive. Later, the Edward Johnsons fill in.
1949	First traffic lights installed on Fourth Avenue in Anchorage.
1950	First “Carrs” grocery store opens in Anchorage Marvin "Muktuk" Marston lays out Turnagain-by-the Sea
1951	Completion of highway between Anchorage and Seward
1953	Mount Spurr erupts for first time in recorded history. Oil well drilled near Eureka on Glenn Highway marks the beginning of Alaska's modern oil history The first plywood operations begin at Juneau and the first large pulp mill opens at Ketchikan. DEW-Line construction begins in the Arctic at Barter Island. First Alaska television broadcast by KENI, Anchorage.
1954	Anchorage Community College opens The Yakutat Station is traded to the Presbyterians for one of their stations up north.
1956	Alaska Constitution adopted. Anchorage named "All-American City"
1957	Atlantic Richfield discovers oil at Swanson River on the Kenai Peninsula. The Swanson River field on the Kenai Peninsula was the first commercial production site for oil and gas in Alaska's modern oil era. During the next ten years, additional oil fields are discovered offshore in nearby Cook Inlet and production platforms are installed to bring production on-line for the Middle Ground shoal field, the Granite Point field, the MacArthur River field and the Trading Bay field. By 1968, the Cook Inlet is producing nearly 200,000 barrels per day, and the income generated by oil production in Alaska is contributing more than 20% of the state government's total revenues.
1958	Congress passes Alaska Statehood Act conveying ownership of 104 million acres.
1959	Alaska is admitted to the Union as the 49th state, and William A. Egan becomes Alaska's first governor. Sitka pulp mill opens. British Petroleum begins to explore for oil on Alaska's North Slope.
1960	Amoco finds offshore oil in Cook Inlet.
1963	Stevens Village and other Yukon villages protest the proposed Rampart Dam. Alaska Marine Highway System begins
1964	Mar 27, Good Friday, Valdez, Alaska, was rocked by an 8.6 earthquake, the largest ever recorded in North America. It lasted 4 minutes and was followed by tsunamis and fires and 32 people were killed. Survivors moved 4 miles west to solid bedrock and rebuilt the town. This earthquake is forever dubbed the "Good Friday" Earthquake. Greater Anchorage Area Borough created the State legislature
1965	Anchorage again named “All- American City” for earthquake restoration efforts
1966	Secretary of the Interior, Stewart L. Udall, imposes a land freeze until Native land claims can be settled. Alaska Federation of Natives is organized. The Russian-built Cathedral of St. Michael in Sitka was destroyed by fire. It was later rebuilt.
1967	Chena River flooded Fairbanks
1968	The Anchorage Museum of History and Art opened. Kincaid Park created from a former Nike missile site in South Anchorage Prudhoe Bay, the largest oil field in North America was discovered on the North Slope, near Barrow.
1969	September 10: Prudhoe Bay Lease Sale provides $900 million in lease bonuses to state treasury. In this year, Alaska's population totals 295,000.
1970	State revenues: $1,067,264,000 First bill introduced in the legislature to establish a Permanent Fund. Environmental studies measuring the impact of pipeline construction on Alaska wildlife begin. Walter Hickel named to Presidential Cabinet post, a first for any Alaskan
1971	Congress passes Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act; transfers ownership of 44 million acres of land to newly established Native corporations. Sep 4, An Alaska Airlines jet crashed near Juneau, killing 111 people. President Richard Nixon and Emperor Hirohito meet at Elmendorf Air Force Base
1972	Dog mushing was established as the Alaska state sport
1973	Congress passes legislation allowing construction to begin on the trans-Alaska pipeline. War in the Middle East in October causes oil prices to rise from $3 to $16 per barrel. The Alaskan 1,159 mile Iditarod dog-sled race was first run in commemoration of the 1925 dog-sled relay for diphtheria vaccine to Nome. Joe Redington, Sr. and others organize the first Iditarod to finish in Nome. The race is completed by 22 mushers, and won by Dick Wilmarth of Red Devil AK in 20 days, 49 minutes and 41 seconds. Joan Kimura designs official seal of Anchorage
1974	Construction begins on the pipeline; thousands of workers flock to Alaska in search of jobs. Construction lasts 39 months, costs $8 billion, including the Marine Terminal in Valdez. The USS Anchorage, on a tour of Alaska ports, arrived in Sitka harbor for a three-day stay. Carl Huntington of Galena AK wins the Iditarod.
1975	The Alaska Permanent Fund is created to insure long-term benefits from oil revenues. Mar 9, Work began on the Alaskan oil pipeline. 4,000 acre Bicentennial Park created in Southeast Anchorage. City of Anchorage and Greater Anchorage Area Borough unified into Municipality of Anchorage. Jerry Riley of Nenana AK wins the Iditarod.
1976	In November's General Election, Alaska's voters, by a vote of 75,588 to 38,518, approve constitutional amendment establishing the Permanent Fund. Article IX, Section 15 - At least 25 percent of all mineral lease rentals, royalties, royalty sale proceeds, federal mineral revenue sharing payments and bonuses received by the State shall be placed in a permanent fund, the principal of which shall be used only for those income-producing investments specifically designated as eligible for permanent fund investments. All income from the permanent fund shall be deposited in the general fund unless otherwise provided by law. Alaska's population passes 400,000. Jerry Riley of Nenana AK wins the Iditarod.
1977	May 31, The trans-Alaska oil pipeline was completed after three years of work and the first oil through flows through an 800 mile engineering feat. The first tanker with Prudhoe Bay oil, the ARCO Juneau, left Valdez on August 1. The Permanent Fund receives its first deposit of dedicated oil revenues: $734,000. A barrel of crude oil takes 5.04 days to flow from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez through the trans-Alaska pipeline at 6.62 mph. If the pipeline were full, it would hold 9 million barrels. One barrel equals 42 gallons. Rick Swenson wins the Iditarod.
1978	The closest Iditarod finish in history - Only 1 second separated champion Dick Mackey from runner up (and later, 5-time champion) Rick Swenson
1979	Rick Swenson of Manley AK wins the Iditarod.
1980	In the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act the size of Denali National Park was tripled to 6 million acres. Motorized access to the land was given for traditional activities such as hunting, fishing and camping. Congress passes and President Jimmy Carter signs the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA). Legislature repeals Alaska income tax. Joe May of Trapper Creek AK wins the Iditarod.
1981	Alaska Legislature approves second special appropriation to the Permanent Fund, this time for $1.8 billion. Rick Swenson of Manley AK wins the Iditarod.
1982	Time zones changed to include all Alaska. The White Pass & Yukon railroad closed after a highway opened between Skagway and Whitehorse, and a slump in metal prices shut down mines. State revenues peak at $4,108,400,000 after OPEC fixes oil price at $34/barrel. Alaska Legislature enacts inflation-proofing to protect purchasing power of Permanent Fund principal. First Permanent Fund Dividend check is distributed:$1,000. Rick Swenson of Manley AK wins the Iditarod. Susan Butcher finishes 3 minutes later, in 2nd place.
1983	1983 Crab stocks so low that most commercial seasons are canceled Heritage Land Bank created Rick Mackey of Wasilla AK wins the Iditarod.
1984	Dean Osmar of Clam Gulch, AK wins the Iditarod. Susan Butcher finishes 2nd. Anchorage named “All-American City” for third time The first 1,000 mile Yukon Quest Sled dog race was held, running between Fairbanks, AK and Whitehorse, YT, Canada. The race was established to commemorate the historic use of dog teams on the 'Highway of the North'; the Yukon River. Many prospectors had followed the race route during the 1898 gold rush.
1985	Mar 20, Libby Riddles became the first woman to win the Iditarod. Her run to Nome took 18 days, 20 minutes and 17 seconds. State of Alaska purchases Alaska Railroad from federal government. Anchorage named a U.S. bid city for Olympic games. Oil price decline caused budget problems
1986	Susan Butcher wins the Iditarod. Price of oil drops below $10 per barrel, causing Alaska oil revenues to plummet. Alaska Legislature approves third special appropriation to Fund principal: $1.26 billion.
1987	Susan Butcher wins the Iditarod. Congress passes amendments to the Alaska Native Land Claims Settlement Act, which protect lands and stocks. Trans-Alaska Pipeline celebrates its 10th anniversary.
1988	Susan Butcher wins the Iditarod. Two whales trapped by ice, rescued near Barrow. The Soviets allow a one-day visit of a group of Alaskans to the Siberian port city of Providenya. Total annual throughput of oil in the trans-Alaska pipeline peaks at 744 million barrels (2 million barrels per day). Anchorage population reduced by 30,000 The White Pass & Yukon railroad opened for tourists visiting the state from cruise ships and the new road to Skagway
1989	Joe Runyon of Nenana AK wins the Iditarod. Susan Butcher of Manley AK finishes 1 hour later in second place. Mar 24, Good Friday, The nation's worst oil spill occurred as the supertanker Exxon Valdez ran into Bligh Reef in Alaska's Prince William Sound and began leaking 11 million gallons of crude. The Exxon Valdez struck ground and spilled 10.6 million gallons of oil. Exxon then spent some $2.5 billion to clean up the spill and filed suit against Lloyd's of London for reimbursement under a $210 million insurance policy. In 1996 a jury in Houston voted that Lloyd's and some 250 other underwriters should compensate Exxon $250 million. The Exxon Valdez spilled 240,000 barrels of oil in Alaska's Prince William Sound. Apr 1, Alaska Gov. Steve Cowper announced that a "strike force" of state officials and local fishermen were taking over some of the cleanup operations following the massive Exxon Valdez oil spill.
1990	Susan Butcher wins the Iditarod again and claims 4 Iditarod titles in 5 years (1986, 1987, 1988 and 1990), inspiring the slogan: "Alaska, where men are men and women win the Iditarod". Over 800,000 visitors came to Alaska. Alaska population reaches 550,000 according to the US Census Bureau. Mining ranks as Alaska's fastest growing industry. Permanent Fund makes its first investments in stocks and bonds outside the United States. Jan 29, Former Exxon Valdez skipper Joseph Hazelwood went on trial in Anchorage, Alaska, on charges stemming from the nation's worst oil spill. Hazelwood was acquitted of major charges and convicted of a misdemeanor. Mar 22, A jury in Anchorage, Alaska, found Captain Hazelwood not guilty in the Valdez oil spill.
1991	Rick Swenson wins his 5th Iditarod, becoming the most winning Iditarod musher in Iditarod history 8 billionth barrel of oil arrives in Valdez. Permanent Fund Dividends are paid to all Alaska residents for the 10th consecutive year. Mar 13, Exxon paid $1 billion in fines and for the clean-up of the Alaskan oil spill.
1992	Alaska Highway celebrated 50th anniversary. Final repercussions of Alaska's recession are felt as oil industry retrenches with major job losses The Anchorage Times, once Alaska's largest newspaper folds Reapportionment challenges delay primaries by two weeks Spurr Volcano erupts three times, one blast dumping ash on Anchorage Juneau's Hillary Lindh wins Olympic Silver Medal in downhill skiing. Martin Buser of Big Lake, AK wins the Iditarod.
1993	Chairman of Alaskan Independence Party, Joe Vogler, mysteriously disappeared Jeff King of Denali Park, AK wins the Iditarod.
1994	$5 billion verdict in Exxon Valdez case. Tommy Moe won Olympic Gold Medal in downhill ski competition. Several Koyukuk River communities washed away by flooding Alaska population was 599,200 Martin Buser of Big Lake, AK wins the Iditarod.
1995	Doug Swingley of Simms, MT wins the Iditarod and breaks the 10-day barrier, winning his first Iditarod title in 9 days, 2 hours, 42 minutes, and 19 seconds.
1996	One of the most devastating fires in state history destroys homes and property in Southcentral near Big Lake Arctic Winter Games held in Chugiak/Eagle River Jeff King of Denali Park, AK wins the Iditarod.
1997	Nov 9, A family of 7 and the pilot of a commuter plane died in a crash in Barrow. Nov 26, In the Aleutian Islands 800 miles southwest of Anchorage, Alaska, the Japanese freighter, Kuroshima, ran aground off Dutch Harbor in heavy winds. Two crewmen were reported dead and 10,000 gallons of oil was reported to have leaked. As much as 240,000 gallons was reported on board. Emergency workers removed 57,000 gallons on Dec 5 and 30,000 gallons still remained. Martin Buser of Big Lake, AK wins the Iditarod.
1998	Jeff King of Denali Park, AK wins the Iditarod. The moose was adopted as Alaska's official state land mammal.
1999	Feb, The snowmobile was banned from all but 7,000 of the 2 million acres of Denali National Park designated as the Denali National Wilderness. Mar 21, In Alaska an avalanche killed at least 4 snowmobilers at the Turnagain Pass in Chugach National Forest. Jun 10, A sightseeing helicopter crashed near Herbert Glacier and all seven people onboard were killed. Doug Swingley of Lincoln, MT wins the Iditarod. Two legendary dog mushers died - Joe Redington, Sr., founder of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and Edgar Nollner, Sr., the last surviving musher of the 1925 diphtheria serum run to Nome.
2000	Doug Swingley of Lincoln, MT wins the Iditarod
2001	Doug Swingley of Lincoln, MT wins the Iditarod
2002	Martin Buser of Big Lake, AK breaks the 9-day barrier, winning his 4th Iditarod title in 8 days, 22 hours, 46 minutes and 2 seconds. State study showed glaciers melting at higher rate. Earthquake damaged highways and rural homes
2003	Robert Sorlie of Hurdal, Norway wins the Iditarod.
2004	Federal judge ordered Exxon to pay $6.75 billion for 1989 oil spill Mitch Seavey of Seward AK wins the Iditarod.
2005	Robert Sorlie of Hurdal, Norway wins the Iditarod.
2006	Sarah Palin takes office as Alaska’s first woman governor British Petrolum had 267,000 gallons oil spill at Prudhoe Bay; crew rescued from cargo vessel listing by Aleutian Islands Jeff King of Denali, AK wins the Iditarod. Aug 5 - 4 time Iditarod winner, Susan Butcher dies.
2007	Lance Mackey becomes the first musher to win both the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race and the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in the same year.
2008	Alaska Governor Sarah Palin runs on Republican ticket for US Vice President next to Presidential Candidate John McCain. Election won handily by Democratic Presidential candidate, Barack Obama and Vice Presidential candidate, Joseph Biden. Lance Mackey won both the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod sled dog races for the second year in a row.
2009	50th Anniversary of Alaska Statehood The minimum wage jumps from $5.65 to $7.15, giving Alaska the highest minimum wage on the West Coast Sarah Palin resigns as Alaska Governor for unspecified reasons. Lance Mackey of Fairbanks AK wins the Iditarod.
2010	Lance Mackey of Fairbanks AK again wins the Iditarod

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