Module X Final Project- Timeline-Klondike Area

      

Klondike- Gold Rush to Present

.Pre-1887 – Skagua, as it is known by the Tlingit, meaning windy place, is used by Chilkoots and Chilkats for hunting and fishing. Some Native Americans settle in Smuggler’s Cove, Nahku Bay and Dyea, head of the Chilkoot trail, it was an Indian trading route becoming popular with early prospectors heading into the Yukon. In the 1880s, U.S. Navy and Army patrols establish federal presence in the area. During 1890's Jack Dalton bargained with the Chilkat Indians for use of the trail and charged $2 per cow and 2.50 per horse to cross


The discovery of Gold in the Canadian Klondike in 1896 lured large number of people to Alaska. the populations doubled in size.The Klondike gold rush of 1898 brought thousands of people to Alaska.


With the onset of the Klondike Gold Rush in 1896, prospectors   began to realize  the need for hardy dog teams that could pull heavy freight. The Alaskan Malamute became the most prized dog. Not only could malamutes pull heavy loads, but they required very small quantities of food for their size.

1897 a post office, a church, and a newspaper were founded in Skagway, and its population rose to 10,000 due to the gold rush. In 1900, Skagway became the first incorporated city in Alaska.






The Klondike and Alaska gold rushes lured a number of writers and poets to Alaska. Jack London wrote about the savage, frozen-hearted north. In The Call of the Wild, published in 1903, London spent  the winter of 1897-1898 on the upper Yukon River. Robert Service came to the Canadian Yukon a few years after Jack London. Service's poetry is well known throughout Alaska He left the Yukon in 1912.

The 110 mile WP&YR Railroad was completed with the driving of the golden spike on July 29, 1900 in Carcross Yukon connecting the deep water port of Skagway Alaska to Whitehorse Yukon and beyond to northwest Canada and interior Alaska. Later after the Gold rush the railroad struggled. The military borrowed it during WWII to haul war supplies

During 1900, 23% of Skagway's citizens were Euroamerican adult women
1920-22 – Skagway Women’s Club forms and establishes Skagway Library in 1921.







 A road that went from United States through Canada to Alaska had been talked about as early as 1930. Congressional committees had recommended that a road should be built in 1935 and 1939, but it was not until 1943 .the Alaska Highway required over 1,100 pieces of heavy equipement and took over 3,000 troops to help build it. It was completed in 1942 at a length of approximately 2,700 kilometres (1,700 mi). The highway was opened to the public in 1948 and called the Alcan highway. It was extremely beneficial during the WWII for moving equipment and troops. Today it is called the Alaska highway and it is driven year round by tourists and locals.




1994, the Skagway city dock collapsed and sent a tidal wave across the bay; the dock was rebuilt within the year. This is the 16th busiest cruise destination in the world.








In 1994 I drove from Anchorage to Dawson city and gambled at Diamond tooth Gerty's as a young 20  year old!










 1998 was the centennial of the gold rush, the Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site in British Columbia merged with the U.S. park to create the Klondike Gold Rush International Historical Park.








 
Skagway was formally a city and becomes a borough in 2007. The Municipality currently employs 14 lead staff and many support positions. Regular elections are held every 1st Tuesday in October.






The WP&YR  Railroad suspended operations in 1982 when Yukon's mining industry collapsed due to low mineral prices. The railway was reopened in 1988 as a seasonal tourism operation and served 37,000 passengers. Today, the WP&YR is Alaska's most popular shore excursion carrying over 360,000 passengers during the 2010 May to September tourism season.




Cause and Effect of the Klondike area:

1. The Gold rush increased population and thus towns were built in the Yukon. It became one of the fastest growing populations, however, Alaska being known for boom bust economy after the gold was gone most of the people also left. Although most of the people left after the gold rush, there is still environmental impact and the water from the Yukon river is not safe for drinking due to the pollutants left.



2.The Yukon railway was built to help move ore from mines; which assisted with the population boom and enhance Alaska's economy. Later closed and now is used for tourism, and today tourism is one of the most lucrative economic industries in Alaska.


3.The Alaska highway was built to assist with the War and moving equipment, it in turn worked to connect Alaska with the rest of the united states. Now many tourists drive the Alaska highway.

Module IX- Alaska Governance and Contemporary Issues

Adhttp://www.npca.org/

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Essential Question: Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act 1980 has been supported and derided by Alaskans, both in 1980 when it was passed and today.  Describe three impacts of this landmark legislation.



In 1980, after years of congressional debate, President Jimmy Carter signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, or ANILCA, into law. This Act has been called one of the  most significant land conservation measure in the history of our nation. It protects over 100  million acres of federal lands in Alaska, which doubled the size of the country’s national park and refuge system and tripled the amount of land designated as wilderness. ANILCA expanded the national park system in Alaska by over 43 million acres, creating 10 new national parks and increasing the size of three existing ones.


There were several different versions of the Act that would be introduced, however, the struggle was maintaining a balance of development and conservation of lands. Since the issue concerned Federal land there were interest groups in the  lower 48 who were also involved with the process. Many were concerned about access.


Overall the ANICLA was primarily created, because most of Alaska's land was federally owned and under the Statehood Act,  Alaska was granted the right to select 104 million acres of land, which it could manage as a revenue base. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act( ANCSA) also played a role in the conservation act. The Natives twelve corporations were granted land in Alaska for use and the environmental community was also involved with the ANCSA debate. There major concern was that the  land in Alaska was beginning to be over-developed. A lot of how the ANICLA debate was carried through was because of section 17(d) (2) of the act, which discussed withdrawing federal land for development . The lands discussed would be used for National Parks, Forests and refuges. Many of the concerns for the Act were based on acceptable means of access, were airplanes, motorboats going to be allowed into these lands and for what purpose? Subsistence was another issue that ANILCA has dealt with throughout the years. Many debated over who should be allowed or if Natives should be allowed on Federal land for subsistence, since these issues were never resolved the federal government now is in charge of subsistence on federal land and fisheries in federal water.

Not only was the Act critical for Alaska as a state in the preservation of lands, it added1.3 million acres to the Tongass Forests, naming 5.4 million of them wilderness. It also brought protection to a significant area of the state previously open to mining and other kinds of entry. West of the Canada border, the act created the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, along with the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge. There were several other lands included by the Yukon and  BLM land increased. Mt. McKinley remained, the park was renamed Denali National Parks and now would be protected.

Although ANILCA was enacted nearly 25 years ago, it still shapes what occurs on Alaska lands today. Some of these things include whether or not there is allowed certain activities such as: mining, building, hunting, fishing, recreational activities and using chain saws. ATV use in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is now permitted but only for subsistence purposes and with strong stipulations.

Telaquana Lake, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve

While some issues, such as these, are finally working themselves out there still continues to be debates over the balance of these lands.

The overall impact of the  conservation act has assisted in the management of beautiful lands and allowed for more parks to be set aside which has aided with tourism in Alaska.  Despite the significant gains ANILCA has offered Alaska land, there is still a ways to go to ensure that our lands are protected,  according to National parks conservation association wildlife management, climate control and mining are some issues still facing Alaska and the debate continues....some examples include ANWR, pebble mine and the list goes on

In the infamous words of John Muir, " To the lover of wilderness, Alaska is one of the most wonderful countries in the world".

Examine Question: Describe the major reasons given for and against statehood

Picture from Explore Alaska!

On January 3, 1959 President Eisenhower affirmed Alaska to be the 49th state of the United States. Many people were for the statehood, however, there were also those who were against it and that is why it took so long to finally pass. Some worried about financial concerns. Alaskans soon discovered that statehood cost money. National politics entered into the picture because Republicans feared that Alaska would send Democrats to Congress, which could tip the scales of power. The Republican Eisenhower administration supported statehood for Hawaii, which was expected to be favorable to the GOP, but delayed on admitting Alaska. Others later were concerned because Funds were so scarce that the state proceeded slowly in selecting lands to which it was entitled under the statehood act. Again economics was an issue and those against statehood believed that they should hold off and just keep it a territory until Alaska was more financially stable.

 
A lot of Alaskans believed that there was too much congressional involvement in their own issues. Achieving statehood would abolish a lot of these involvements.  Supporters believed that achieving statehood would bring increased control of Alaska's natural resources and policies, more in keeping with Alaskan views. The state constitution clearly stated how natural resources were to be managed. All were to be developed for "maximum use consistent with the public interest." Renewable resources, such as fish, game, and timber, were to be managed to

Statehood gave Alaskans voting representation in Congress. Alaska had two senators and one representative so now they had a voice. The federal government had to now hold back on developing policies that were the responsibility of the state and local government now. Another plus for statehood was that federal government would have to relinquish control over fish and game.

Another prime example of the supporters of  statehood said it was a matter of justice for Americans who lived in Alaska and were denied their rights, and were ruled by an absentee government and absentee industries.The story Margaret Rutledge of Anchorage told  when she had been on her way to the inauguration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. She was reminded of the second-class status of Alaskans. At the Seattle airport she had to go through immigration procedures, which she said was humiliating. Before ending her testimony in tears, Rutledge told the senators that a "degrading influence had robbed me of the thing I value most--my birthright as an American."


When Alaska achieved statehood in 1959 the new state's constitution approved three branches of state government. These were the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. A state legislature replaced the territorial legislature and unlike the all-male, all non-Native early territorial legislature, the state legislature from its beginning included a wide representation of Alaskans. Native leaders came from widely separated communities. Whether it was to gain control over land and Alaska issues, diversity or for a voice when Alaska became a State, it appears it accomplished all of these and is really making a mark as the 49th State!



Extend Question:what other useful information insights/and or resources have you discovered
As an active member of my community I gathered a greater understanding and appreciation of Alaska as a State and the process that came about to become a State. I am very proud of those who advocated and continued to lobby for statehood, I believe in perseverance and recognizing that things such as becoming a state is important. I am also grateful for the Alaska National Conservation Lands Act and truly believe that it has helped save our environment as a whole. The whole understanding of how the dividend began was significant, but again I believe in order for us to be a productive state, we need to reorganize our process and allocate that money to things such as education and job renewal process. Alaska is still a fairly new state learning through the process and I truly have recognized how significant the balance of development and land preservation is. I know that there are many related issues that are on-going such as the pebble mine development.


Evaluate: Overall, this module was of great significance to me, as I tend to mention in just about every blog... I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska and proud to say so. I now have gained further knowledge of how my beautiful state became a state and understanding the lengthy process is important to me. I also feel that as a younger state we continue to fight for our place in the USA and significance. Being the great 49th has come with a lot of controversy and tribulations but I feel that if we all continue to value one another and come to the table with pertinent discussions of how we can help Alaska as a state and people as a whole we will continue to be the great last frontier! My biggest gripe though is that there was too much information to choose from and so much I would love to research more, however, there just is not enough time to accomplish that.


Blogs I have visited:
http://clairepowellalaskanhistoryblog.blogspot.com/
It was interesting learning about the National Guard being involved with rescues in Girdwood
http://latitude61alaska.blogspot.com/
Being from Anchorage I enjoyed learning about the National Guard that is present in my own community
http://teachingtatitlek.blogspot.com/
I enjoyed your explanation of the Alaska Highway and I too have a picture of myself at that sign : )

Module VIII- World War II 1939-45 A Turning Point for Alaska

Essential: Describe the legacy of World War II for Alaska. What happened in Alaska after the war that is largely attributable to WWII? What are Alaskans living with today that is Attributable to WWII?

View along the New Alcan Highway through Canada's Wilderness
built by a Welcome Army of U.S. Soldiers"
by permission of Wartime Information Board added Apr. 8/03

The Alaska Highway is a prime example of something left from World War II. It was built to assist in getting materials to and from Alaska. The war demonstrated Alaska's strategic position and thus a large military presence that continues today. Due to the increase of military, and proximity of Alaska, military bases were also built. This increase in the military also attributes to increased federal spending in Alaska.

The population also grew due to WWII and the military bringing in families. The population doubled from 1950-1960 and continues today.  As service personnel brought their families the impact was felt throughout the communities. As a result media new schools, churches , civic organizations and social clubs were started. Media attention also aided in the increase of population.

Due to the increase in veterans who served in Alaska , many became strong advocates of statehood, and  helped to propel the statehood movement to eventual success in 1959 when President Eisenhower signed the Alaska statehood bill.

Not all good things were left from the war, there is also environmental impacts.Some of the things left behind from the war were:toxic substances such as fuels, solvents, and PCBs have permeated soils and rendered certain areas not suitable for subsistence activities.  Health issues in some rural communities have included the question of connections to WW II toxins that could have entered water and food systems. Today researchers and military are still cleaning up the aftermath of the materials left from the War.

 Although the War brought many soldiers, we are also left with reminders of the devastation and thus ,the Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service, took steps to acknowledge the importance of Alaska’s role in World War II history by designating eight sites as National Historic Landmarks. The Landmarks include military bases. As mentioned in previous modules WWII definitely had a big significance in Alaska's history and continual progression as a state.
  
Examine:What was the rationale for the lend-lease ALSIB project?



Great Circle Routes
Great Circle Mapper 2012

The Lend-Lease Program was initiated by the U.S. to assist allies in conducting their war efforts by providing a wide array of war materials. In Alaska the Alaska-Siberia Project(ALSIB) was established and lasted from 1942-1945. This included the transport of nearly 8,000 planes from the lower 48, across Canada and then to bases in Alaska that would eventually transport to the USSR.  The ALSIB project was used to help ensure the U.S. would have time to gain strength to enter the fighting.  By propping up Russia the U.S. would have an eastern buffer in fighting Germany.

The first stop in Alaska was at Ladd Field; which is now Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks. The planes would get ready for their journey there, and then Soviet pilots would pick them up the planes from Ladd Field. Once the pilots left Ladd Field, they would then fly to Nome to refuel and  head west across Siberia,.

Initially the ALSIB was a secret, because Stalin was concerned about the Japanese.There was also a need to have interpreters and support staff to be stationed at the Alaska base.

The Land- Lease program also included assistance with Canada, because until 1942 passengers and freight arrived in Alaska either by boat or plane. The proximity to Canada and Alaska helped. The relationship made  possible the construction of the Alaska Canada Military Highway, a 1,420-mile wilderness highway which followed the path of lend-lease aircraft along the Alaska-Siberia air route.


ALSIB Lend-Lease Route to Russia,
Alaska at War 1941-1945,
The Forgotten War Remembered pg. 328

To guarantee supply of these military installations the U.S. built a series of airfields from Montana, north through Canada, to Fairbanks. The airfields served a very significant role, in ferrying nearly 8,000 fighters and bombers from U.S. production plants to be used by our Soviet Union allies against Nazi Germany. To support the airfields and to connect Alaska to the rest of the country, the army made an intial road, the Alcan Highway, now its improved and called the Alaskan Highway.

The Alcan highway was very important to the land-lease agreement.  It was built by,  U.S. Army engineers and U.S Public Roads administration civilians. It started in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and connected to the Richardson highway. The project took a lot of money and man power but was completed in 6 months. The Alcan Highway was officially opened on November 20, 1942. Overall the ALSIB  Began at Great Falls, Montana, Continuing westward,  extended its way through Fairbanks and Nome, Alaska, finally ending in Siberia, Russia.  The Lend-Lease program was helpful in aiding with the War, however it was not only costly with money but also lives. The air route was difficult and dangerous for both planes and pilots with the most difficult leg being the 3,500 mile journey from Fairbanks, Alaska to Central Russia. Due to its better weather conditions and geographical location, Fairbanks was selected as the official transfer point. Overall, the rationale was to aid in the War and transport necessary supplies.

Extend:What other useful information, insights and/or resources have you discovered?

www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Parks%20and%20Public

I obtained more insight on the reasoning why the Alaskan highway was built, as well as the military forces that began during WWII. I also was unaware of the forgotten battle in the Aleutians and how deeply it effected Alaska and its people. It is very sad to me to see the devastation that was not only left to the land but also the people. I know that now when I think of WWII; I will not only remember Pearl Harbor but what an impact Alaska had and the significance today.

Evaluate: Although this module was and still is important to Alaska, I felt like it was a little smaller than the rest with information, again  it was valuable in understanding the history of the military in Alaska and reevaluating what occurred on the Aleutians during WWII. I would love to have seen video footage.

Blogs I have visited: 
http://dianeisexploringalaska.blogspot.com/
I enjoyed the pictures of the landscape and description of distance
http://brendarosenthal.blogspot.com/
It was interesting to read about economy and villagers living off subsistence
http://shayesexplorealaska.blogspot.com/
I loved the pictures of the totem poles and description of  the art and importance

Module VII-American Period: Society

Essential Question:To what degree is there distinctiveness in the art, literature, science, recreation and cultural institutions of Alaska? In what way do these contribute to , or reflect a unique Alaska identity?

http://blog.camaibnb.com/2011/01/anchorage-and-alaska-public-art.html

I truly believe that art is very distinctive in Alaska. It began with visitors portraying pictures of the landscape. Natives wove baskets and carved ivory.  Others were commissioned by military to paint landscapes. Alaska's appreciation for the art is distinctive also by the legislature mandating that a percentage of construction cost of state buildings be spent on art for the buildings.

Literature in Alaska is also distinctive in many ways. As mentioned in previous blogs, this is a state so vast and filled with adventure; that many have written both fiction and non-fiction stories about these grand explorations. There are famous authors that have written about Alaskan adventures, take "Into the Wild" for example; A national bestseller about a young man leaving everything to live in the wild Alaska. It is one of the novels that our eleventh graders are required to read.  Jack London and John Muir both left lasting legacy's about Alaska. London wrote about the North and survival, while Muir came to visit several times in 1879 and wrote about Alaska's extraordinary beauty. Others write about Alaska to impact public opinion. Elliot was one of the first to do so, he wrote about the need to protect the fur seals. Today there are many activists that continue to write about Alaska one of which is: Sierra Club. Newspapers written especially for Natives are also distinctive to Alaskan Literature.

http://toolikblog.wordpress.com

Scientists from around the world have come to document Alaska physically. We have learned  from previous modules that Alaska is a state filled with many environmental and geographical phenomena. Earth Scientists are amazed by Alaska's natural offerings but Alaska is also distinct in its unique animal population. From moose in the back yard to polar bears in the Arctic.

Alaska houses many Alaska Native museums and cultural centers to assist with educating about Alaska and the Native cultures here. The visitor center in Anchorage is another great resource, as well as the Native Heritage Center; which is also used for Native American students throughout the Anchorage School District to take classes or gather cultural experiences.

To say recreation in Alaska is distinct is an understatement.... from our very own version of the lottery; the Nenana ice classic which started in 1917 by  a group of surveyors betting on when the Nenana river ice would break. The Iditarod race, fishing, big game hunting, mountaineering, the list continues... All of these aspects, is what makes Alaska so unique. whether one has experienced the amazing artwork, literature and/or the abundance of amusement experiences that are ever lasting.


Examine: Describe various forms of recreation in Alaska. Explain whether or not these are a particular Alaska variant of these types of recreation.

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=skiing+in+alaska&qpvt=skiing+in+alaska

Alaska's recreation allows for a diverse number of activities.  To say that there is amazing skiing in Alaska is like saying that trees produce oxygen... Throughout Alaska you can almost Nordic ski out your back door. Others come to experience the extreme heli-skiing adventure. Along with skiing, Alaska provides a variance of other winter recreation; which includes ice skating, snowshoeing, sledding and dog-sled racing. There are also long traditions such as the Fur Rondy that occur in the winter.



http://www.tobinphoto.com/alaska-scenes/fishing-141.htm

The winter sports are not the only Alaskan style of recreation, to be the state that houses the largest mountain in North America speaks volumes.  There are many who make the trek here from around the world to say that they have conquered Denali! Although it is among the largest mountains, Alaska has others and is an amazing recreational area for mountaineers and rock climbers alike. Fishing... need I say more... whether people are going on a halibut charter or fighting the mighty combat salmon fishing of the Russian River there really is no other place in the world with such amazing fishing! As mentioned in the Alaska History and Cultural article, along with the Alaska variant recreation, there is also other cultural activities that really speak to the Alaskan culture. The Athabaskan old time fiddling festival is one of these. Although many of these activities exist in other places around the world, I truly do not know if they offer the same over all beauty and experience that is uniquely Alaska! The Alaskan beauty is truly unique and as menitioned in the article on State parks Alaska's very own Chugach State Park is ranked among the top 10!

Photographer: Matthias Breiter / Accent Alaska

Extend: How might you use the information in this module in your professional practice?

The information about how education started and the funding issues is a constant concern and as an educator, I need to be aware of these issues so I can continue to advocate for appropriate education. It is also important to me to be informed about the diverse University settings so that I can guide my students to attend the Universities in Alaska instead of going out of state. Lastly, the recreational opportunities offered are critical in enhancing student development. I have a lot of students that are new to Alaska and tend to feel isolated, because they do not know about all the awesome opportunities for recreation that Alaska provides. I now  feel like I can help guide them to try new things and venture out to the local museums and events that are unique to our State!

Evaluate: I truly enjoyed reading about the education through the 1980's, since I grew up in Anchorage during the 1980's. It is amazing to me how things are changing so rapidly but how much more we still have to go. It was also astonishing to learn about the medical history. Although there are amazing medical advances, I still feel that there are some things that we continue to look to the lower 48 for. Lastly, I really wish there was more information on UAF. I am hoping to look further into what degrees and opportunities they offer that are so unique. And the section on recreation I felt could have been a little longer, but maybe there is still more to come....

Blogs I have visited:
http://latitude61alaska.blogspot.com/
It was interesting reading about how the sisters of Providence helped with health care.
http://brad-hoyt.blogspot.com/
I enjoyed the beginning of his blog and play on moosings
http://alaskareflection.blogspot.com/
I enjoyed Paul Ongtooguks quote and agree about self-determination and the future.

Module VI - American Period: Transportation & Communcation

Essential Question: What are issues facing Alaskans Today related to transportation and communication?
The obstacles of the past are still relevant today in Alaska. Alaskans continue to struggle to keep up with the constant changing of communication and transportation. As a State that is so large in size, approximately 586, 412 sq. miles, and having one of the smallest populations 772, 718 . Both factors make it hard to keep up with cost effectiveness. The cost of living in Alaska is already high compared to the lower 48 and would be much higher without the developed transportation systems in place now, since a lot of business that Alaskans deal with are located in the lower 48.

Climate issues in Alaska is another concern. Permafrost and extreme weather have been a concern for both transportation and communication.  The window for construction in Alaska is very short and when that window is open the permafrost adds a dynamic that takes special consideration to deal with.  This has added an environmental dimension to infrastructure development that other states do not have to deal with.

The airlines have assisted with accessibility to places. Ted Stevens airport is less than 9.5 hours from 90% of the industrial world; which assists with business travel and leisure. As mentioned in other modules though, airfares are largely dependent on gas prices and thus the market for oil, so if that goes up then so does the airfare.

Another mode of transportation in Alaska that has had and continues to have concerns is ocean and river transportation. As mentioned in the Explore Alaska module, between 80-90% of all goods shipped to Alaska arrive by water to coastal ports and then moved to the interior via the river-ways and other modes of transportation. Alaskans depend on it for the delivery of necessities for life: food, shelter and energy

sewardalaskatransport.com

According to the Alaska History and Cultural Studies article, Alaskan waters are said to be one of the three most challenging areas in the world for sailors.  A shortage in icebreaker is also a concern for Alaska and sometimes we have to rely on outside resources.  Rivers and coastal zones are not always free of ice and cannot always be navigable year round.  Many towns/villages must plan for the winter and a lack of access to the outside world.  The issue of Nome this winter is a perfect example.  The Russian fuel tanker that Nome had chartered to bring in the final winter oil shipment faced the possibility of not making it, were it not for the assistance of an icebreaker.

Along with the airlines adding greater access, so did telecommunications. In 2005 AT&T merged with SBC Communications Inc. to become one of the largest companies in the World and this merge has helped in enhancing technology in Alaska. Although there is enhanced technology today, Alaska continues to struggle to keep up with the constant changing of communication worldwide due costliness of broad bend fiber optic transmission systems. Proximity and accessibility is also an issue in Alaska for availability of communication.  I remember the days of only have a few channels and now with access to satellite and skype I don't feel nearly as isolated as I did growing up in Alaska during the 1980's.

Examine Question: Identify 3 major railroads in Alaska History. Where?When?Why? Ownership? Current Status?

Copper River Bridge 27A, Copper River
and NW Railroad ca. 1918
VILDA-AMRC-b62-1-1472

The 3 major railroads in Alaskan History are: The White Pass & Yukon Railway, Copper River &Northwestern Railway and The Alaska Railroad. All of which have great importance in Alaska's History and are interconnected with economic growth and development.

The first railroad mentioned; The White Pass& Yukon was built in 1898 to assist the Gold rush Stampede. The railroad connected Skagway and Whitehorse. The railroad carried Ore from Canadian mines to Skagway and also served as transportation for tourists.In 1970's a road was built that connected Skagway to Whitehorse and thus a decrease in rail traffic. Today the railroad no longer hauls Ore from mines, but operates seasonally for tourists.

The Copper River & Northwestern Railroad was also constructed due to mineral findings. In 1905 Wealthy East Coast financier's where persuaded to build the Railroad. In 1911, the 196 mile track was completed. These freight trains carried shipment to Cordova from the mines. Although, it was built to assist the marketing of copper, the railroad also made access to gold placers easier.  Copper prices fell in the 1920s and the Kennecott mines closed in 1932. 1938 marked the closing of the railroad, except there was 13 miles of the line between Cordova and Cordova airport that were operational during World War II and 60 miles of the line between Chitina and McCarthy were used for light tram traffic until 1947, then all general use was closed.


http://alaskarailroad.com/travel/PhotoGallery/tabid/320/Default.aspx

In March of 1902 Ballaine and other Seattle backers organized the Alaska Central Railroad Company with $30 million capital. The railroad was to begin at Resurrection Bay, where the Russians had built ships. The money had soon ran out and then came new financial support  from Chicago financiers backed by a Canadian bank. The new owners completed 52 more miles before they too went bankrupt in 1909. On March 12, 1914, President Wilson signed a bill into law that authorized a government-built Alaska railroad. The president was to select one or more routes from ice-free ports to Interior Alaska. Construction could include a total of 1,000 miles of track. President Wilson selects a railroad route that would run from Seward to the Tanana River. Construction continued north of Anchorage and south of Fairbanks to Healy. The railroad struggled financially and tourism was promoted vigorously to assist with costs.

The Alaska railroad was later effected by WWII due to the increased use to move supplies. Workforce was limited, so women were asked to help on the rail. The Military in 1950's  and the  pipeline in 1970's helped with the cost of keeping it running.  Despite, the Alaska Railroad being the only federally owned railroad, the costs were always a constant drain. In 1984 Alaska arranged to buy the railroad to ensure its continual existence.

The Alaska Railroad is still in existence today and used primarily for tourism and freight services. The Alaska railroad is also keeping up with being Green, and as mentioned in this link discusses some of the positive environmental aspects of taking the railroad as means of transportation. These issues will hopefully assist in keeping The Alaska Railroad going: http://alaskarailroad.com/corporate/Corporate/Environmental/tabid/414/Default.aspx

Extend: What other useful information, insights/and or resources have you discovered?

Throughout this module I was awakened with awareness of how isolated some places in Alaska must have felt and continue to feel due to lack of communication services and transportation availability. The article on icebreakers was of great interest to me,  because I had just seen an issue about funding for icebreakers in the news. After reading this module I  understand the importance of this issue more. Lastly, I was unaware of the amazing hard work that was put into all modes of transportation in Alaska. I have driven the Alaska Highway a few times and am amazed of the beauty, but also the great significance it had to connecting Alaska with the lower 48. The Alaska History and Cultural studies articles have been very useful in obtaining necessary information.

Evaluate:
The railroad section was interesting to me, because I feel it is such an important part of Alaska's history. I really wish there was more information on communication and growth today. Overall this offered a lot of information on transportation. I, at times felt like the information was a little scattered but am realizing how all modules are interconnected and excited to learn more about this amazing State!

Blogs I have visited:

http://dianeisexploringalaska.blogspot.com/

 It was interesting to find out why Alaska was purchased

http://excitedaboutalaska.blogspot.com/

Enjoyed the description of Alaska fishing and changes

http://www.learnalaska.blogspot.com/

Enjoyed learning about agriculture, because I would love to have a garden or fresh vegetables in Alaska!

Module V: American Period Alaska's Economy

Essential Question:How is the Alaska economy a reflection of diverse, and sometimes conflicting,  perspectives of the natural landscape?


Alaska's economy has always been dependent upon conflicting ideas and much debate over financial gain over land protection. Alaska was initially established by the United States as a military district. After recognizing all the natural resources that were available things tended to shift a little. Alaska's economy is built largely on extraction of those natural resouces.


When I was thinking of one of the first accounts of extraction, it brough me back to the great Gold Rush!  I then rememebered, Jack London's stories and Robert Service's poem "The creamation of Sam Mcgee" This is a prime example of how Alaska tends to  have boom bust economy. When things are good, such as the Gold they are really good but when it runs out, or the season is short it then has a down fall. I believe that this boom bust economy also attributes the diverse views of what should and should not be done in Alaska. Gold mining later tended to change due to technology, and so did the concerns for the environment and water quality left by mining materials.  Along with the example of Gold mining, I know that the kennicott copper mine is also a good example Alaska's economys conflicting views.There were many political aspects which resulted in the close of these mines: http://www.akhistorycourse.org/articles/article.php?artID=180


http://commerce.alaska.gov/ded/dev/minerals/mine1.htm


Mining in Alaska is not the only conflicting perspective. The fishing industry and Timber has also seen diverse perspectives and changes. Fishing industry started off being managed primariy by the federal government and now there is a dual State/Federal management in the waters to proctect fish and fishing rights. The Timber industry also faces great debate over the significance of industry. It is important to point out that in 1891 congress passed the first Forest Reserve Act, Later The Tongass National Forest and Chugach National Forest are created to protect land and help regulate logging in Alaska. These are all great examples of conflicting perspectives in regards to the landscape in Alaska.


The last example, I believe is one of the most known and continual debate over, that is Oil drilling...  Oil was discovered in Prudhoe bay in 1968,The pipeline was completed in 1977 and thus began the huge economic gain in Alaska.To this day there are still debates over drilling, as evidenced by this article: http://www.akhistorycourse.org/articles/article.php?artID=117
85% of the states budget is supported by oil revenues; therefore many sectors of the economy are dependent upon world oil prices. These industried continue to have conflicting perspectives when it comes to Alaska's landscape and extraction. If we are so dependent on the worlds oil prices, this also effects our need and want to be economically independent.


As mentioned above, the conflicting perspectives continue over drilling in Alaska and one area in particular: ANWR. Throughout this module it is apparant how dependent Alaska's economy is on Federal grants and extraction of natural resouces. Despite this dependence, I wonder does the financial gain out weigh the potential environmental devastation? This is not only a local issue, but tends to be a fragile global issue as well. The article below explains the significance and pertinence of either drilling or keeping this landscape pristine:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_National_Wildlife_Refugehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arctic_National_Wildlife_Refuge

In conclusion, essentially the economy is driven by three major things today: Oil, tourism and fishing. There is also a large Timber industry, mining and agriculture. Each of these areas provides very diverse perspectives through out the history of Alaska's economy. My personal  belief after reading this module is; there has to be a happy medium, where we are valuing our economic natural resources but also protecting our treasured lands.  I am not going to pretend to know the answer to this, but as listed above I know that there are measure's that have been put in place such as the Forrest Protection Act, Fish and Game management as well as non-profit agencys working hard to protect the Last Frontier. I can't imagine continuing to live on a boom bust economy forever, I would equate it to living pay check to pay check and some of us know how stressful that can be... I am hopeful that we can work together to keep Alaska the beautiful the last frontier!


Examine: What were the primary motivations for Americans moving to Alaska in the late 1800's?


According to this  Alaska History and Cultural Studies article: http://www.akhistorycourse.org/articles/article.php?artID=166  Some of the reasons individuals came to Alaska are:

•  The government sent them
• others came for economic reasons such as; trade, merchants, fur hunters, prospectors and miners.

The government sent Soldiers and officials to assist with the Native tribe relations, they were used to hostility from the Native tribes West of the Mississippi River and assumed the same would be true in Alaska.The military was not the only government agency sent over, custom officials and Tresury Department were also sent, to collect taxes and enforce laws against smuggling. The Navy was sent to protect American interests in the Pacific Ocean.


There were many merchants, miners, smugglers and traders who moved to Alaska.They moved to Alaska, because they saw the potential in Sitka due to its location for trade and resources. The Americans did well when they first arrived in Sitka and emptied the Russian goods, however, after the Russians left so did their money. According to an Army officer who took census in 1870 demonstrated a 50% decline in the population.sitka declines


Lastly, there were those who continued to come for exploration. There was still a need for coastal charts and maps. Many scientists were interested in Alaska's geology and environment. I personally believe that these all continue to be the reasons why people are moving up here. Alaska houses huge military bases, individuals are moving due to wanting to make a livelihood and others move for the great adventure and a land full of exploration!



Extend: Describe the economic base for your area of Alaska and share any current issues confronting the local residents.
 
I currently live in Anchorage, Alaska where I see a lot of our City's economic base being Federally funded. I work at a school, where at least 38% of the population is military students. As we are facing tough economic times globally, this in turn has effected our military bases and jobs have been cut. The continual cuts are causing stress on students and families in my community. This website describes the up-coming budget cuts:
http://www.akbizmag.com/Alaska-Business-Monthly/February-2012/How-will-the-2013-Defense-Budget-Cuts-Affect-Alaska/
If the military cuts jobs, this will have a trickle down effect in Anchorage. If there are less jobs and less people to make purchases, this effects the rest of the economy.


Evaluation:
This module was a little overwhelming for me, I felt like it had too much at once. It was difficult to stay focused. I would have rather it was broken down into smaller sections so that I could get a better grasp and spend more time on each section. Although, it was overwhelming I did enjoy the videos and the wealth of information in regards to the start of prudhoe bay pipeline.


Blogs I have visited:
http://edexplorationinak.blogspot.com/
I enjoyed her explaination of the explorers in Alaska

http://hollyalaskahistory.blogspot.com/
Holly's font style was very appealing and I enjoyed her review.

http://latitude61alaska.blogspot.com/
His explaination of the Russian American company and how trade was effected was interesting.

Module IV Russian America

Essential Question: What is the legacy of the Russian Colonization of Alaska?
The legacy of the Russian Colonization runs deep in Alaska, and no I am not talking about Sarah Palin "seeing Russia from the back yard"... As mentioned in all of my blogs I grew up in Anchorage, Alaska and remember taking my Grandparents to visit the old Russian Orthodox churches as a kid. This brings me to the information in this module.

The first Orthodox priests arrived in Alaska in the 1790's. The Russians started business and  expanded their explorations, due to the finding of all of the natural resources that could be used for international trade. Many Russian business men married Native Alaskan women and thus leave behind children with both Russian and Native Alaskan heritage. In many areas throughout Alaska their still are many who are tri-lingual; speaking Native, Russian-Slavic and English.

The Bering Strait, is  also a prime example of left behind Russian legacy. It is named after a Russian Navy Captain -Lieutennant. Churches and names of places are not  the only legacy Russia left behind, there is also an abundant amount of artwork that be be viewed along with the language that is still spoken in many places throughout Alaska. Many Russian Orthodox missionaries started schools, orphanages and medical facilities. Buildings used by the Russians for fur trade still remain to this day in Kodiak. The Russian Orhodox church continues to be an intrical part of Southeast , Southwest and Southcentral Alaska as indicated in this article:

http  ://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/destination-hunter/north-america/united-states/west/alaska/alaska-history-heritage.html

On a personal observation,  this is the only state that I know that offers Russian immersion classes in our school systems, and at Saturday Market individually painted  Russian dolls sold by a lady directly from Russia. I believe the legacy runs deep and goes farther than "seeing it from our back yard" so to speak....


Examine Question: What other nations were interested in Alaska, and why were they interested?

The Spanish were once again interested in Alaska after being thrown out of Florida by the English; they decided to venture back to the North Pacific. Alessandro Malaspina was the last Spanish explorer sent to Alaska in hopes to find a water route from Alaska to the Mississippi River Valley.

The French also sent ships to Alaska for more exploration. Their presence  was minimal and the only account left of their expeditions is : a Mountain and Glacier named after La Perouse . The British were also interested in Alaska and have left quite a history. Some examples are cook inlet sound and other places first claimed by the Brittish. Cooks explorations added a lot to mapping the geography of Alaska. The mapping had great significance, since the Russians new little about Alaskas mainland.The British were also intersted in finding the Northwest passage in Alaska, so that travels would be easier.

American's then came in hopes to also capitalize on the trading and profit in Alaska. They continued to participate in whaling and then cod-fishing voyages .Lastly,  United States saw Alaska as an opportunity to have more naval outposts. After all the exploring and information gathering of the wealth Alaska could bring to the United States, it was later purchased and a Treaty agreement arranged. http://www.akhistorycourse.org/articles/article.php?artID=164




 
Extend:How does the history of Alaska as a colony pertain to your community?

The history of Alaska is extremely relevant to present day community. Reading about all the interest and exploration in Alaska throughout history is amazing to me. I almost feel like it parrallels todays community due to the renewed interest in Alaska due to its abundant resources and economic gains. All the commercials I have noticed since returning are geared toward  more drilling and more mines in Alaska.  I recognize that sometimes we need to look at the economic gains, but do we sometimes lose sight of preserving the beauty and cultural history to gain a buck?

Evaluation:
This section was extremely interesting to me, because as a kid I had always heard about the sell of Alaska and what a steal it was. Although I had heard about the tremendous gain the Untited States made,I  was completely unaware of all the background information and what political and historical importance it has. Despite it being an interesting module, I wish there were a few videos to go with it. I also tried looking up information on my own but found little. I am looking forward to the next module and learning more!

Blogs I have visited:
http://teachingtatitlek.blogspot.com/
I really appreciated the thought about what a culture is and perspective
http://crossingalaska.blogspot.com/
It was nice to hear more about the Qwich'in tribe
http://excitedaboutalaska.blogspot.com/
great overview of why Russia was interested in Alaska