History of North Slope Borough, Alaska
North Slope Borough, located in the northernmost part of Alaska, is a region defined by its extreme environment, rich natural resources, and the resilient indigenous cultures that have inhabited the area for thousands of years. Established in 1972, the borough has become central to Alaska’s economic future, largely due to the discovery of vast oil reserves at Prudhoe Bay. The borough is home to the Inupiat people, who have maintained their cultural traditions in the face of modern development. Today, the North Slope is vital for its oil production while also being a region of incredible environmental significance.
County Facts
- Founded: July 2, 1972
- Population: Approximately 11,030 (as of 2020 Census)
- Area: 94,796 square miles
- Area Code: 907
- ZIP Codes: 99723, 99734, 99789, 99791
- County Seat: Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow)
- Major Cities: Utqiaġvik, Nuiqsut, Kaktovik, Point Hope, Point Lay, Anaktuvuk Pass
- Famous Landmarks:
- Prudhoe Bay Oil Fields
- Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)
- Utqiaġvik (northernmost city in the U.S.)
- Iñupiat Heritage Center
- Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Early History of North Slope Borough (Pre-1800s)
Indigenous Peoples: The Inupiat
The Inupiat people have lived in the region that is now the North Slope Borough for at least 4,000 years, surviving in one of the harshest climates on Earth. They developed a culture centered on hunting marine mammals, such as whales, seals, and walruses, as well as caribou and fish. Their deep knowledge of the land and the sea allowed them to thrive in the Arctic environment, and many of their traditions, such as whaling, remain integral to their way of life today.
The Inupiat also developed sophisticated tools and transportation methods, including dog sleds and umiaks (open skin boats), that enabled them to travel and trade across vast distances in the Arctic.
European and American Exploration (1700s-1867)
Early Russian Influence
While the North Slope remained largely isolated from European contact during the early period of exploration, Russian explorers and traders began moving into the wider Alaskan region in the 18th century. However, their focus remained primarily on the coastal areas of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, leaving the North Slope region relatively untouched by Russian colonization efforts.
American Exploration and the Whaling Industry (1800s)
In the 19th century, American whalers began to venture into the Arctic waters off the North Slope. The discovery of vast populations of bowhead whales along Alaska’s northern coast made the region an important destination for the American whaling industry. By the mid-1800s, Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow) had become a key location for whaling ships to resupply and repair their vessels.
The whaling industry had both positive and negative impacts on the Inupiat people. While it introduced new tools, goods, and opportunities for trade, it also disrupted traditional hunting practices and exposed the indigenous population to diseases brought by European and American traders.
The Alaska Purchase and Early American Development (1867-1950)
The Alaska Purchase (1867)
In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia, an event known as the Alaska Purchase. This brought the North Slope under American control, though the region remained remote and largely undeveloped. For much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Inupiat people continued their traditional ways of life, with little interference from American authorities.
Introduction of Reindeer Herding (1890s)
In the 1890s, the U.S. government introduced reindeer herding to the North Slope as part of an effort to provide a stable food source for the indigenous population. This new industry supplemented the traditional subsistence economy of hunting and fishing, although it never fully replaced the Inupiat reliance on marine mammals and caribou.
Discovery of Oil and Formation of the Borough (1950-1970)
Discovery of Oil at Prudhoe Bay (1968)
The discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay in 1968 marked a turning point in the history of the North Slope. Prudhoe Bay, located on Alaska’s Arctic coast, became the largest oil field in North America, and its development promised to bring significant economic benefits to Alaska. However, it also raised concerns about the environmental impact on the fragile Arctic ecosystem and the traditional ways of life of the Inupiat people.
The development of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), which would transport oil from Prudhoe Bay to the ice-free port of Valdez, was completed in 1977. The pipeline became a critical piece of infrastructure, enabling the extraction of oil from the Arctic to fuel the U.S. economy.
Establishment of North Slope Borough (1972)
To address the challenges and opportunities posed by oil development, the North Slope Borough was established in 1972. This allowed local governance over taxes, infrastructure, and public services, giving the Inupiat people more control over the development of their lands. The borough government also negotiated for a share of the oil revenues to be reinvested in local communities, improving public services such as education, healthcare, and housing.
The borough’s creation was a significant step toward self-determination for the Inupiat people, allowing them to balance economic development with the preservation of their culture and environment.
Modern Development and Environmental Challenges (1970-Present)
Oil Production and Economic Growth
Since the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay, the North Slope Borough has become one of the most important oil-producing regions in the United States. The borough’s economy has been largely driven by the oil industry, with the borough government benefiting from substantial revenues generated by property taxes on oil infrastructure.
The development of oil fields such as Prudhoe Bay and Kuparuk has brought jobs and economic opportunities to the region, while also funding critical infrastructure projects that have improved the quality of life in North Slope communities.
Environmental and Cultural Challenges
While the oil industry has brought economic growth to the North Slope, it has also raised significant environmental and cultural concerns. The Arctic ecosystem is particularly fragile, and oil spills, pollution, and habitat disruption pose serious threats to the region’s wildlife, including caribou, polar bears, and marine mammals.
In recent years, climate change has emerged as a major issue for the North Slope. The region is warming at twice the global average rate, leading to melting permafrost, coastal erosion, and changing migration patterns for animals that the Inupiat people rely on for subsistence hunting. The impact of climate change on the Arctic has added another layer of complexity to the debate over oil development in the region.
Famous Landmarks and Attractions
Prudhoe Bay Oil Fields
The Prudhoe Bay Oil Fields are the largest in North America and have been central to Alaska’s economy since the discovery of oil in 1968. The development of these oil fields and the associated Trans-Alaska Pipeline is one of the most significant events in the modern history of the North Slope.
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR)
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, located in the eastern part of the North Slope Borough, is one of the most ecologically significant and controversial regions in Alaska. ANWR is home to a vast array of wildlife, including polar bears, caribou, and migratory birds, and is considered a critical area for environmental conservation. However, it is also the site of potential oil reserves, leading to ongoing debates about whether to allow oil exploration in the refuge.
Iñupiat Heritage Center
Located in Utqiaġvik, the Iñupiat Heritage Center celebrates the culture and history of the Inupiat people. The center offers exhibits on traditional Inupiat ways of life, including whaling, hunting, and art. It serves as a vital cultural resource for both the local community and visitors interested in learning about Alaska Native cultures.
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, located in the southern part of the borough, is one of the most remote and pristine wilderness areas in the United States. The park offers stunning landscapes of mountains, rivers, and tundra, making it a popular destination for adventurous travelers seeking solitude and untouched nature.
