History

The origin of the Alaska vs. Texas feud is the same thing that keeps the friendly feud alive today – Alaska took the No. 1 spot away from Texas as the largest state in the U.S.

As we continually learn about Black history and culture this February for Black History Month, we are taking a look at the stories of Black individuals living in Alaska.

This International Women’s Day, we’re introducing you to a few iconic women in our state’s history.

She won’t be the first Black female astronaut in space — that honor goes to Mae Jemison, who flew on the Endeavour in 1998.

Whether seeking refuge from slavery or simply opportunity, Black men made their way north to Alaska in the 1840s and 1850s by means of the whaling industry.

The Alaska Highway is paved with more than cement — it’s paved with an important chapter of often overlooked Black history.

Gold rush: not a phrase thought to be synonymous with law and order.

Baby dino, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo.

The Valdez Museum & Historical Archive may be closed for in-person visits currently, but the museum is offering multiple ways to experience exhibits virtually.

Valdez, like many communities, was born out of the Alaska gold rush era.

What goes well with dinner conversation? Fun facts about Alaska! Impress a crowd with your Alaska knowledge, or start a lively discussion about the Last Frontier with these tidbits:

National Women’s History Month was created to highlight the many unsung female figures in our nation’s history. Each of us has benefited from contributions made by women who have helped to build and protect America.

Rich with gold rush history, Nome, Alaska, is currently celebrating 120 years since gold was first discovered in the town. History lovers can check out retired dredges, steam engines and mining claims.

This year, Alaska is celebrating its 60th year of statehood. We’re sharing some of the coolest facts about our favorite state:

Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday is on Nov. 18, and it’s time to celebrate. Disney parks will be having a special birthday party, but the joy is spread worldwide. Join the celebration from Alaska:

Living in Alaska means learning the language. You have to know the difference between seemingly similar holidays, things and places.

Have you ever wondered how our great state got its name? Alaska comes from the Aleut word “aláxsxaq,” meant to reference an object at which the sea is directed. In this case, it refers to the peninsula and mainland.

This year commemorates the 243rd birthday of the U.S. Navy, which was established on Oct. 13, 1775. The U.S. Navy has played a critical role in Alaska’s history and is now the largest naval force in the world.

What do Alaska’s Permanent Fund, Peyton Manning, Apple Computer Company and “Rocky” have in common? All were created in 1976.

Shiver me timbers. Sept. 19 marks International Talk Like A Pirate Day, and Alaska has a storied pirate history.

The Sitka History Museum originally opened its doors in 1967 to provide educational programs and exhibits to the community. It temporarily closed for renovations and officially celebrated its grand reopening at Harrigan Centennial Hall on July 26.

Sunday, July 15, marked the 95th anniversary of the completion of construction on the Alaska Railroad. If you are not familiar with the story, President Warren G. Harding made a historic trip to Alaska in 1923, becoming the first U.S. president to visit the Last Frontier. This date commemorates the completion of the railroad in Nenana, when the president himself drove in the golden spike that officially completed the main line.

There is no place like the Last Frontier to celebrate the summer solstice. In some Far North communities, the sun doesn’t set at all. Even south-central will see 22 hours of daylight. While you are celebrating, bust out these fun facts to impress your friends under the midnight sun:

Scientist and former University of Alaska Fairbanks faculty member Matt Nolan is reaching new peaks in precision mapping of Denali. Using a single-engine airplane, Nolan weaved through Denali’s topography using a GPS system and fodar, the combined measurement of color and surface elevation from a digital camera.

The Alaska Aviation Museum opened two new exhibits showcasing the 75th commemorative anniversary of the recapture of the Japanese-held islands Kiska and Attu by U.S. forces.

The news: Gov. Bill Walker recently endorsed the memorializing of Alaska’s military heritage and exploration of creating an Alaska Military History Museum.

What makes Ketchikan, a quaint town of 14,000 people in Southeast Alaska, so unique? The Tongass Historical Museum is trying to answer just that with its newest permanent exhibit, “Ketchikan Is.”

On the last Monday of March, the rest of the country goes about its business as usual. In Alaska though, it is Seward’s Day, and many of the state’s operations are closed in honor of Secretary of State William H. Seward’s purchase of Alaska from Russia.

In 1987, Congress declared March national Women’s History Month to honor and celebrate the integral role women play in shaping America’s history. Here’s a shout-out to Alaska’s super-women and original trailblazers:

Nov. 22, 2017, marks the Alaska Highway’s 75th anniversary. Covering approximately 1,400 miles, the Alcan starts in Dawson Creek, British Columbia, and ends in Delta Junction, Alaska.