History of Anchorage Borough, Alaska
Anchorage Borough, officially known as the Municipality of Anchorage, is the largest and most populous borough in Alaska. Located in south-central Alaska, Anchorage is situated between the Chugach Mountains and Cook Inlet, offering a unique blend of urban life and wilderness. Founded in 1914 as a railroad town, Anchorage quickly grew due to its strategic location and natural resources. Over the years, the city has played a significant role in Alaska’s history, particularly during World War II, the discovery of oil in the 1960s, and the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake. Today, Anchorage is the cultural and economic heart of Alaska.
County Facts
- Founded: 1914 (as a railroad town)
- Population: Approximately 291,000 (as of 2020)
- Area: 1,944 square miles
- Area Code: 907
- ZIP Codes: 99501-99524
- County Seat: Anchorage (also the largest city in Alaska)
- Major Cities: Anchorage (no other major cities within the borough)
- Famous Landmarks:
- Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
- Alaska Native Heritage Center
- Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
- Chugach State Park
- Earthquake Park
Early History of Anchorage Borough (Pre-1914)
Indigenous Peoples and Early Inhabitants
Before European exploration, the area now known as Anchorage was inhabited by the Dena’ina Athabascan people, who lived along the Cook Inlet and surrounding rivers. The Dena’ina were skilled hunters, fishers, and gatherers, relying on the region’s abundant natural resources for their survival. They developed a complex social and cultural system and had lived in the area for thousands of years before European settlers arrived.
Russian Influence in Alaska (1700s)
In the late 18th century, Russian explorers and fur traders began to explore and colonize parts of Alaska, including the Cook Inlet region. Although Russian settlements were primarily concentrated further south, Russian trade and exploration influenced the native peoples and set the stage for later European and American involvement in the area. The Russians sold Alaska to the United States in 1867, an event that would open the region to new economic opportunities and exploration.
Formation of Anchorage (1914-1940)
Anchorage as a Railroad Town (1914)
Anchorage was officially founded in 1914 as a construction site for the Alaska Railroad, which was being built to connect the port town of Seward with the interior city of Fairbanks. Anchorage was chosen as the headquarters for the railroad project due to its strategic location along the Cook Inlet. The town grew quickly as workers, businesses, and families arrived to support the construction efforts. By 1920, Anchorage had become an incorporated city, with a population of around 1,856 residents.
Economic Growth and Infrastructure
During this period, Anchorage’s economy was largely driven by the railroad and its associated industries, such as shipping and construction. The city’s location made it a vital hub for transportation and commerce in Alaska, particularly as it connected remote regions with more developed parts of the state. By the 1930s, Anchorage had developed a growing downtown area, as well as schools, churches, and other infrastructure necessary for a thriving community.
World War II and Military Influence (1940-1960)
World War II and Anchorage’s Strategic Importance
World War II marked a significant turning point in Anchorage’s history. Due to its proximity to Japan and the Pacific Theater, Anchorage became an important military outpost for the United States. In 1940, the U.S. Army established Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage to defend Alaska and the U.S. West Coast. This military buildup transformed Anchorage into a bustling military town, bringing thousands of soldiers and workers to the area.
Population Boom and Economic Expansion
The presence of the military led to rapid population growth, with Anchorage’s population increasing from around 3,000 in 1940 to over 30,000 by 1950. The city’s economy expanded to support the growing military presence, with new housing developments, businesses, and public services being constructed. After the war, Anchorage remained an important military center, with both Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Air Force Base continuing to operate and contribute to the local economy.
The Good Friday Earthquake and Alaska Statehood (1960-1970)
The 1964 Good Friday Earthquake
On March 27, 1964, the second most powerful earthquake in recorded history struck Alaska, measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale. Known as the Good Friday Earthquake, the disaster caused widespread destruction in Anchorage, with buildings collapsing, roads cracking, and parts of the city sinking into the ground. Despite the damage, Anchorage quickly began to rebuild, with assistance from the federal government and local efforts. The earthquake reshaped parts of the city and left a lasting impact on its development.
Alaska Statehood and Oil Discovery (1959 and 1968)
Alaska became the 49th state of the United States in 1959, a milestone that brought increased federal investment and economic opportunities to Anchorage. In 1968, the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay on Alaska’s North Slope dramatically changed Anchorage’s economy. Anchorage became the headquarters for many oil companies and related industries, as the city served as a key logistics and transportation hub for the development of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.
Modern Anchorage (1970-Present)
Oil Boom and Economic Growth
The oil boom of the 1970s fueled unprecedented growth in Anchorage. The construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in the mid-1970s brought a surge of workers and investment into the city. Anchorage became the financial and administrative center for Alaska’s burgeoning oil industry, with major corporations establishing offices in the city. By the 1980s, Anchorage had solidified its role as the economic engine of the state.
Anchorage’s Role as a Cultural and Economic Hub
In addition to its economic importance, Anchorage grew into a cultural and educational hub for Alaska. The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) expanded during this period, and cultural institutions like the Anchorage Museum and the Alaska Native Heritage Center were established, showcasing the city’s diverse history and heritage. Anchorage also became a gateway for tourism, with visitors flocking to the city as a base for exploring Alaska’s wilderness, including nearby Chugach State Park and Denali National Park.
Modern Challenges and Natural Disasters
Despite its economic growth, Anchorage has faced challenges in recent decades. The city experienced economic downturns following oil price crashes in the 1980s and 2010s. In 2018, Anchorage was hit by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake, which caused damage to roads, buildings, and infrastructure but resulted in no fatalities. The city’s resilience in the face of these challenges reflects its strong community spirit and ability to rebuild.
Famous Landmarks and Attractions
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a popular recreational path that runs along the coast of Anchorage, offering stunning views of Cook Inlet, wildlife, and the surrounding mountains. The trail is a favorite for biking, walking, and skiing.
Alaska Native Heritage Center
The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage celebrates the history and culture of Alaska’s Native peoples. The center features exhibits, cultural demonstrations, and performances, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of Alaska’s indigenous communities.
Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
The Anchorage Museum is the largest museum in Alaska, offering exhibits on Alaskan history, art, and science. It serves as a cultural hub for the city and a place to explore the state’s unique history and diverse cultures.
Chugach State Park
Chugach State Park is one of the largest state parks in the United States, covering over 495,000 acres just outside Anchorage. The park offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation in a pristine wilderness setting.
Earthquake Park
Earthquake Park, located on the west end of Anchorage, commemorates the devastating 1964 Good Friday Earthquake. The park offers interpretive displays explaining the effects of the earthquake and features trails through an area dramatically reshaped by the disaster.
