Final Project - Timeline

Valdez, Alaska

Antonio Valdés y Fernández Bazán, Minister of Spanish Navy
www.kunst-fuer-alle.de

1790:  In 1790, Spanish explorer Salvador Fidalgo embarked on an exhibition to the Pacific Northwest in order to reestablish Spanish claim to areas in British Columbia and Alaska.  On June 15, he discovered a port which he named Puerto Valdez.  The port was named after the Minister of the Spanish Navy, Antonio Valdés y Fernández Bazán.

The birth of downtown Valdez
www.holabirdamericana.com

1896: When gold was found in August of 1896 at Rabbit Creek, a tributary of the Klondike River, thousands of people hoping to strike it rich set out for Valdez. Valdez became a popular destination for prospectors hoping to make it to the Klondike without having to go through Canada. The town’s population grew as it became a ‘tent city’ and businesses were opened to outfit prospectors with supplies.

An ambulance carries a man wounded from the shootout
Alaska Department of Education and Early Development

1906: In 1906, a different kind of resource was found near Valdez: mineral deposits. In order to move these valuable resources from the Kennicott Glacier to the coast, the decision was made to build a railroad to Valdez through the Keystone Canyon. Two businesses, the Alaska Syndicate and the Alaska Home Railroad, fought so competitively over the job that it resulted in the shooting deaths of at least two employees. The outcome left many Valdez residents without jobs and no investments.

1964: On Good Friday of 1964—March 27—one of the largest earthquakes in American history struck Alaska: the Good Friday Earthquake. It triggered an underwater landslide in Valdez, causing homes, docks, and land to slide into the ocean; three years later, the town was relocated to higher ground. 32 people were killed in Valdez as a result of the Good Friday Earthquake.

Real-time footage of the earthquake in Valdez

Alaska Film Archives

The end of the Trans Alaska Pipeline in Valdez
Alaska in Pictures

1977: Even though oil was found in 1968 on the North Slope, it wasn’t until 1977 that the Trans Alaska Pipeline was fully constructed and oil flowed from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez. The 800-mile pipeline took four years to build. Across the bay from the town of Valdez is the terminal that houses the oil, and is built on the northernmost ice-free port.

Tugboats tow the damaged oil tanker off the Bligh Reef
MSNBC

1989: On March 24, 1989, the oil tanker Exxon Valdez was headed out of Valdez for Long Beach, California, when it struck the Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound. Over 11 million gallons of oil were spilled into the ocean, creating one of the largest man-made environmental disasters in history. As a result of the spill, several species documented record-high deaths, including seat otters, bald eagles, and orcas.

Module IX - Alaska Governance and Contemporary Issues

Essential Question: Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 1971 – Discuss two ways that this legislation has impacted Alaska, and two specific ways that it has impacted Alaska Natives.

Oil platform near Prudhoe Bay
Alaska In Pictures

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act had a major impact on Alaska since its inception in 1971, and continues to impact the state today.  One of the major affects was on the economy—more specifically, oil.  When oil was discovered off the Arctic Coast at Prudhoe Bay in 1968, many people viewed this as an opportunity to make Alaska prosperous.  A pipeline needed to be constructed from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez in order to ship the oil to the lower 48.  However, this concept was not an easy one, as the intended pipeline was going to cross lands that were claimed by Native Alaskans.  If Alaska wanted to profit from this new-found resource, a resolution would need to be found for all parties involved.

The ANCSA also impacted Alaska’s environment.  While many Alaskans were excited about the discovery of oil, others were worried about the protection of the state’s resources.  “Pressure brought by the environmental movement resulted in a famous clause in the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act…which ultimately led to the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act in 1980” (Explore Alaska!).  The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act designated almost 80 million acres of land in Alaska as wilderness areas and National Park Service properties.  Environmentalists wanted to ensure that not only did Alaska Natives have rightful claim to traditional properties, but that the land was protected and preserved for future Alaskans. 

When the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act passed, Alaska Natives were rewarded 44 million acres of historically-used land, and nearly $963 billion.  These two forms of compensation were dispensed through thirteen native-owned regional corporations.  The nearly-80,000 Alaska Natives were encouraged to register in any of the 12 corporations; the 13^th corporation was formed for Natives living outside of Alaska (Alaska History and Cultural Studies).  To become a shareholder, one had to be one-fourth Alaska Native.  The passage of ANCSA allowed Native Alaskans to take pride in the fact that they would have the official title to lands that historically had been theirs (Alaska History and Cultural Studies). 

ANCSA protesters
Alaska Journal

 However, not all Alaska Natives felt that the ANCSA had a positive impact.  Historically, there have been many things go wrong when the American government has attempted to ‘deal’ with native populations, with many of these communities getting taken advantage of.   Many felt that the Natives did not receive the appropriate amount of land or money for what they relinquished claim to.  Others felt that while leaders prospered under the act, regular villagers did not necessarily benefit to the same extent (Alaska History and Cultural Studies).  The handling of the funds was also brought under scrutiny.  Since the corporations needed to make a profit in order for each shareholder to benefit, many business dealings took place outside of Alaska, taking the focus away from the villages.  There was also worry that funds could e completely lost.  “One of the greatest concerns was the potential loss of Native lands (owned by the corporation) if the corporation became insolvent” (Explore Alaska!).  

Examine Question: Identify the Alaska Senate and House Districts in which you live.  Identify the type of local government you have.

State Senator Fred Dyson
The Alaska State Legislature

 Eagle River is located in Senate District I.  Our state senator is Fred Dyson, who is of the Republican party.  Dyson first served in the Alaska State House of Representatives from 1997 to 2002.  In 2003, he was elected to the Alaska Senate.  He has been involved in many local councils and boards, and even wrote for the Anchorage Daily News.  Dyson graduated from the University of Washington before moving to Alaska in 1964.  He has been an Eagle River resident since 1976.

House Representative Anna Fairclough
The Alaska State Legislature

 Anna Fairclough is Eagle River’s House Representative from District 17.  She is also a member of the Republican party.  Fairclough has worked with the Alaska State House of Representatives since 2003, serving on several committees as chairwoman or vice-chairwoman.  She was officially elected to the House in 2006.  Fairclough has been an Eagle River resident since 1985, is an Anchorage School District graduate, and studied at both the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Anchorage.

Eagle River belongs to the Municipality of Anchorage.  The Municipality of Anchorage stretches from Eklutna down to Portage.  A 2000 census calculated over 260,000 residents living in the municipality, which means that it is home to almost two-fifths of Alaska’s total population (muni.org).

Eagle River does have its own Community Council, which is made up of residents and business owners in the Eagle River area. Each community’s council serves as the public relations office for that area, as well as maintains information about the community. There are 38 councils in the Municipality of Anchorage; each council elects a delegate to represent the community at monthly meetings. This is especially beneficial for Eagle River. As a ‘suburb’ of Anchorage yet part of the municipality, this small community can often get overlooked without due recognition and representation by community members.

Evaluation

I thought that this was one of the most difficult modules.  There were so many topics that were available; sometimes having too many choices makes things harder.  I did however appreciate the examine question, in which I needed to research my local government and officials.  Previously I have not been an active community member, but I would like to have a better insight into what’s going on in my town.

Blog Reviews

Heather looked at how she can apply the information found in the module to a lesson with her Biology classes (specifically, mines in Alaska).

Brad included a really neat quote with his post: “Alaska does not belong to outsiders…it belongs to no one…we are only caretakers of Haa Shageinyaa’s creation.”

Module VIIII - World War II 1939-1945: A Turning Point for Alaska

Essential Question: Explain how Alaska’s location was considered ‘strategic’ during World War II.  What were the war activities/events that supported the perspective of ‘strategic’ Alaska?

As I recall from one of our first modules about place, Alaska was thought to be the center of the world because of its equal distance to other major national and international cities (London, Tokyo, New York City, etc.)  While it may not actually be the center of the world, its location was still strategic during World War II. 

“In fact, Alaska’s strategic location on a Great Circle route from the west coast of North America to Asia was well known” (Explore Alaska!).  As Japan started to build its military in preparation for war (possibly against China or even America), the United States kept an eye on the distance between Alaska and the Japanese islands.  Along with Hawaii and the west coast continental states, Alaska was part of the forefront of the United State’s Pacific campaign.

Even though Alaska didn’t officially become a state until 1959, the onset of WWII proved that the area was a strategic and valuable asset to the United State’s war efforts.  According to the Explore Alaska! blog, the United States government had been planning on building a defense line from Panama to Alaska as early as the 1920’s.  The need for military bases in Alaska during WWII was expressed by delegate Anthony Dimond, who stated, “I say to you, defend the United States by defending Alaska” (Alaska at War, pg. 199). 

Kodiak Naval Base
U.S. Army Center of Military History

An example of some strategic activities includes the construction of aviation facilities.  The locations of Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, and Sitka became the very sites for tactical building.  Admiral Arthur J. Hepburn called for aviation facilities at these three towns for amphibious patrol aircraft to land, as well as submarine use.  The admiral especially identified location of these three sites as “vital importance in time of war” (Alaska at War, pg. 5).

In the piece “American National Strategy in the East Asian and Pacific War: The North Pacific,” author William A. Jacobs asserts that “the events in Alaska and the North Pacific were ultimately more significant for the European theater of the war than for the Asian and Pacific” (Alaska at War, page 13).

Examine Question: Explain the purpose of the Aleut evacuation and give at least two examples of how the evacuation affected the Aleuts of Alaska.

When the United States decided to intern Japanese-Americans during WWII, the government felt that the decision was made for the safety of others.  The internment of Aleuts, however, was supposedly done for their own safety.

*I realize that the words ‘evacuation’ and ‘internment’ may have different connotations, but I have chosen to use ‘internment’ here because I feel that calling these actions as ‘evacuations’ make it sound voluntary and non-discriminatory, especially after reading about the lasting effects they had on the Aleuts.

Aleutians from nine villages along the southwest islands of Alaska were evacuated due to Japan’s military moving closer to the land.  Many buildings, including homes and churches, were set on fire so that they could not fall into Japanese hands (National Park Service).  The Aleutians were taken to Southeast Alaska, and placed in cramped buildings that were ill-suited to hold the number of people.  Often there would be no electricity or plumbing.

Barracks at Ward Lake Camp
Sitnews

 One way that the Aleuts were affected by the internment was the spread of disease.  According to the National Park Service, medical care was almost nonexistent for the interned, and authorities often dismissed complaints of illness.  Tuberculosis and pneumonia were persistent among the very young and old.  In the four camps (Funter Bay, Killisnoo, Ward Lake, and Burnett Inlet), over 70 people died from disease.

The internment also forced the loss of some of the Aleutians’ culture.  When the old passed away from disease, the Native people also lost their traditional ways of learning.  The elder Aleuts traditionally passed down knowledge through stories.  Villages and homes were also destroyed as well.  According to the Explore Alaska! blog, many Aleuts returned home after the war to find their communities damaged by years of disuse or by occupation of American forces.  Many villages were abandoned because of the damage.  It wasn’t until 1988 that restitution was made for the rebuilding of destroyed buildings.

Evaluation

I have always been fascinated with the history of World War II, so to learn about Alaska’s involvement was extremely interesting.  When I took American History in both high school and college, Alaska was never mentioned, so I’m glad to now have this new insight.  I would have liked to have more online resources available about the Aleut evacuation, however.

Blog Reviews

Niki brought to my attention how the Eagle River area (my home!) was used by the Army to test weapons that contain phosphorus, and is now one of the most polluted sites in the nation.  I did not know this at all!

Crystal talked about the building of the Alaskan Highway, and how it was a “triumph over racism” because African-American engineering units working alongside white engineering units.

Chelsey pointed out that the occupation of Alaska by the Japanese was strategic because it had a psychological impact on Americans – the war was now in our own backyard.

Module VII - American Period: Society

Essential Question: How have the settlement patterns of Alaska been a reflection of the natural landscape, distance, resources, and the economy?

Damage from the 1964 "Good Friday" Earthquake in Anchorage
Blogspot

Natural Landscape: When I first envisioned moving to Alaska, I created an image in my head of my living in a cabin, surrounded by trees with only a small dirt road to travel on.  I would be able to look out my window and see bears catching salmon in a stream, and I would encounter friendly moose as I chopped my own firewood.  Okay, okay, I admit that I was guilty of romanticizing my idea of life in the Last Frontier, especially since I ended up settling in a suburb outside of Anchorage.  According to the Alaska History and Cultural Studies site, many who moved to Alaska after 1945 were attracted to the state’s remote areas like I was, but ended up living in the larger communities where employment, goods, and services were plentiful.  Settlement patterns were also altered due to the weather.  Volcanoes and earthquakes have damaged or completely destroyed villages around Alaska.  Storms and flooding have impacted the towns of Bethel, Fairbanks, and Nome. Yukon Flats-area villages had to be relocated to higher ground due to flooding (Alaska History and Cultural Studies).

Distance: As we saw in the transportation module, available roads and railroads and navigable river really drove the movement of people in Alaska.  Most settlers lived near the ocean or rivers, where they could have easy access to supply ships.  The further you were from these resources, the more difficult it was to live comfortably day to day (but still possible).  According to the Alaska History and Cultural Studies site, when the U.S. Government built the Alaska Railroad between 1915 and 1923, communities were produced along the route.  The Alaska Railroad travels between Homer and Prudhoe Bay (Alaska Railroad).

Trans-Alaska Pipeline
Encyclopedia Brittanica

Resources: One of the main draws for people to come to Alaska was the discovery of gold.  Within a span of 10 years, the state’s population grew to 63,000 by 1900.  By 1950, the population had nearly doubled in size.  Gold was the first resource to drive the settlement patterns of Alaska.  The discovery of oil in the 1970’s also created a need for more housing.  According to the Explore Alaska! blog, thousands of people moved to Alaska in the 70’s due to the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, which runs from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez (Wikipedia).  The population of the towns along the pipeline increased, which created a high demand for more housing facilities.  Anchorage’s population doubled within a few years, while smaller villages also grew as people continued to flock to the jobs that the pipeline provided.

Economy: According to the Explore Alaska! blog, population and settlement of Alaska by the newcomers, primarily Euro-Americans, has followed the stages of economic development.  “Depending on the why of a settlement, it either took on the look of impermanence with its transient population, or encouraged the establishment of family friendly institutions like schools and churches” (Explore Alaska!).  A large reason for a transient population in Alaska is due to the seasonal jobs offered around the state.  The establishment of churches (Baptist, Russian Orthodox, etc.) and schools in towns helped create a community atmosphere that families flocked to.  After moving to Alaska during WWII, many soldiers decided to stay.  According to the Alaska History and Cultural Studies site, the military started to build communication sites around the state to provide early warning of planes from the Soviet Union.

Examine Question: How have the health care issues impacted Alaska’s Native population?

Alaska’s Native population has been affected by several health care issues since the Russian and American settlers began moving to the state.  As with any indigenous culture in the United States, these populations did not have the same natural immunity to diseases that non-natives did.  According to the Explore Alaska! blog, smallpox and measles were the diseases that proved to be the most impactful during the Russian-American period in Alaska.  Tuberculosis, however, was the deadliest of diseases for the Native population.  It is not certain how TB appeared in Alaska, but as a communicable disease, it spread quickly.  The incidence of TB in Alaska during the 1900’s was more prevalent than in the lower 48.  To compare, the death rate from TB in Southeast Alaska was 1,302 per 100,000, as opposed to 56 per 100,000 (non-Natives) (Alaska History and Cultural Studies). 

Russian Orthodox orphanage for boys
Library of Congress

The spread of disease not only affected the health of the Native populations, but also their lifestyles.  According to the Explore Alaska! blog, the loss of family labor caused by death, illness, disability, or long-term absence threatened the survival of those living a subsistence lifestyle.  Orphanages were built in Alaska to accommodate children who had lost their parents.  Fears of disease caused many villages to bar outsiders from outsiders, or even abandon or move their homes.

The definition of a shaman in Alaskan Native culture was that of a mediator, healer, and the spirit worlds’ mouthpiece (Wikipedia).  The shamans were one of the most influential people within the Native cultures, especially when it came to the spread of disease.  According to the Alaska History and Cultural Studies site, pioneer doctors and nurses had to counter beliefs held by many Natives that illnesses were caused by anger of a supernatural spirit.  The doctors had to work with the shamans for two reasons: 1) to introduce modern medicines that would stop the spread of diseases, and 2) maintain the shaman’s authority.




Extend Question: What is the history of your school/system? 

Eagle River High School is the newest school in the Anchorage School District.  It was opened in 2005 to serve the Eagle River community and the students who live on the Elmendorf/Richardson Base.  We have approximately 850 students, which also makes us the smallest high school in the ASD.  Our mission statement is “Excellence, Respect, Community.”

Eagle River High School
ERHS Website

Evaluation


At first I thought that this module was kind of random, but once I read through the material, it seemed to make sense.  I found the information on the "why" of settlements very interesting, because sometimes I even think, "why is is McGrath where it is?"



Blog Reviews


Marg talked about the education of indigenous Alaskans before the introduction of Europeans/Americans, which included modeling, storytelling, and learning by doing, all necessary skills for their cultures.


Whitney explored all of the various types of recreation in Alaska.  I found it funny how she pointed out that Alaskans call it 'snowmachining' whereas to everyone else, it's 'snowmobiling.'  It took me a while to figure out that they were actually the same thing!


Brad outlined the academic areas of UAF, which included tourism, rural human services, emergency wildlife training, and snowmachine maintenance.  I find it impressive that the majors offered cater so specifically to the needs of the community.

Module VI - American Period: Transportation and Communication

Essential Question: What are issues facing Alaskans today related to transportation and communication?

When I first moved to Alaska, I was dumbfounded at the high prices of groceries.  It amazed me at the differences in cost for items I normally would purchase when I lived in Washington compared to here in Anchorage.  And I didn’t get it at first – were prices higher here because everyone got the “oil money”?  Then I realized that the majority of what I was buying (fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy) was coming from out of state; in Alaska, out of state means far away.

According to the Explore Alaska! blog, over 80% of all cargo arrives in state via marine transport. This makes sense, since ships were the first major mode of transport to Alaska.  Over the last 30 years, shipping has been the major link between moving items from the lower 48 to Alaska.  This is crucial, since Alaskans depend on shipping for the delivery of food, building materials, and petroleum products.   According to the Alaska History and Cultural Studies website, the cost of living in Alaska would be much higher without the highly developed systems of ocean and river transportation now in place.

I think another issue that Alaskans face today in respect to transportation is the cost of transportation itself.  Because of the limited number of major roads in the state, traveling to and from towns that are not located along the highway can be costly.  Leaving the state is another story entirely.  While over 30 air carriers operate out of Ted Stevens Airport (Explore Alaska!), the average cost of a domestic flight from Anchorage to Seattle is $545 (Bing).  Both driving and taking the ferry are other options, but those both take time.  I’ve personally driven from Washington state to Anchorage, and without stopping except to get food, fuel, and sleep for a few hours, it still took 3 days.  While Alaska is an awesome place, the amount of time and cost it takes to travel can be a challenge.

The Russian tanker Renda
CNN

 The weather can also have an impact on both transportation and communication in Alaska.  While residents have adapted to and learned to love the environment around them, the unpredictable nature of our weather can create interruptions.  Even building roads and railroads can be challenging with the changing weather conditions (Explore Alaska!).  In December 2011, a Russian tanker had been tasked with taking fuel to Nome, which hadn’t had any delivered since November due to a massive storm.  The tanker experienced a slow journey, however, and had to have an icebreaking ship carve a route in the ocean for it to travel.  It wasn’t until January 16, 2012, that the tanker was able to get near enough to Nome to transfer the fuel via hose (USA Today).

Examine Question: What were the factors that prompted the growth of ocean and river transportation in Alaska?

The need for more transportation routes and vehicles escalated in the late 1800’s.  When the Klondike Gold Rush set off in 1897, thousands of people flooded to Alaska in search of the ultimate discovery.  Before the gold rush, only a limited number of companies provided passage from Seattle, Portland, or San Francisco to Alaska, and only offered them a limited number of times.  According to the Alaska History and Cultural Studies site, when “68 miners from the Canadian Klondike reached Seattle…they brought with them $964,000 in gold dust and nuggets.  People immediately swarmed north by ship.”  With that news, companies sent over 170 ships to Alaska, carrying freight and passengers.

Once they reached Alaska, those in search of gold still had to travel via rivers to get near the action. Before the gold rush, two steamboats operated on the upper part of the Yukon River.  Once the news got out about the gold, the number of steamboats soared.  In order to transport the passengers and freight upriver, the 30+ steamboat companies competing for service had to build 60 new boats to send on the Yukon.  However, once the gold rush panned out (pardon the pun), so did the need for steamboats.  According to the Alaska History and Cultural Studies site, “The gold rush era steamboats accounted for most of the nearly 300 steamboats known to have been used on the Yukon River.”

The Inside Passage
National Geographic Expeditions

The vast coastal region of Alaska remained a mystery to many travelers until the early 1900’s.  During the Klondike Gold Rush, over 300 ships wrecked on their way through the Inside Passage due to poor charting and submerged hazards.  Two lighthouses were erected in 1901 on Sentinel Island and Five Fingers Island in Southeast Alaska (Lighthouse Friends).  It wasn't until 1914 that surveying of the coastal areas began.  Even with these advancements, according to the Alaska History and Cultural Studies site, “losses averaged about 24 ships a year until World War II.”

Extend Question: How dependent is your community on air transportation?

I think that any community in Alaska is fairly dependent on air transportation, regardless of size or location.  Obviously location would change the degree of dependence, but since the majority of our goods are coming from out of state, air transportation is much needed.  Villages in the bush rely on passenger, mail, and cargo air traffic (Explore Alaska!). 

I live right outside of Anchorage, and I personally find myself depending air transportation for a number of reasons.  One, I know that I can rely on air transportation to bring goods to the stores in my area year-round, especially in the winter when there is less marine transport.  Two, I can also count on receiving goods via mail from out of state.  Maybe it’s because I’m fairly new to Alaska, but I still find myself wanting to purchase those old standby items that I was easily able to buy when I lived in the lower 48.  Third, I definitely depend on air transportation to help me travel to and from the state.  My family is from Washington state, and I like to visit them when I can.  Other than summer, though, I usually only have a few days at most for a trip.  Flying is a saving grace because it cuts down on time.  As opposed to when I lived in the lower 48, and could drive to several different states from my home, flying is the one verifiable option for me to use while traveling.

Evaluation

I really enjoyed reading about the growth of transportation in Alaska.  I sometimes fail to realize how much of the state's development stems from military intervention, and I'm starting to appreciate the role that the military has played not only in the development but the continuing advancement of Alaska's transportation.

Blog Reviews

Betty talked about how even though Alaska is rich in oil and gas deposits, there is an expensive and extensive process for these products to come back to the state for our use.

Lane described how his past experience of growing up in a suburb was totally different from living in a village of the road system.  I found it interesting that even though they are 30 miles from Valdez (by sea), it is still challenging to get to.

Tina expressed her awe in the Alaska Highway, and how significant it is to connecting Alaska to the lower 48.

Module V - American Period: Alaska's Economy

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

 According to the Alaska History and Cultural Studies site, while the United States had four main reasons for purchasing Alaska from Russia, individual Americans moved to the “Last Frontier” for three different reasons.  Three of the four reasons for the Alaskan purchase specifically involved government attachment: maintaining a good relationship with Russia, acquire British Columbia, and utilize the Asian markets.  Many employed by the government were sent to Alaska, such as soldiers, sailors, customs officials, and other representatives, to help further the country’s goals.  The Army was employed to diminish any problems with the Native populations; taking over lands inhabited by other Native societies before had resulted in hostility, and the Army was in charge of keeping any problems to a minimum.  The Navy also sent ships to Alaska to help govern the coastal waters and enforce the laws against smuggling.  Not to miss out on any possible revenue, the Treasury Department also sent officials to collect taxes.   As with any newly-acquired land, the United States government made sure to send enough employees to create a lawful, organized, and hospitable society.

With its close proximity to Asia, and lack of regular retail business, Alaska became a goldmine for enthusiastic merchants and traders.  Sitka specifically became home to many who wanted to earn livelihoods in trade and commerce.  After Russia sold the land to the United States, the Russian-American trading company cleared out but left many of their goods behind in warehouses.  According to the Alaska History and Cultural Studies site, ships sailed to San Francisco carrying items such as cloth, trousers, sheepskin coats, kettles, iron pots, copper wire, sheet lead, tools, liquor, and exotic items such as pomade, leather-bound books, and silks.  These items went not only to San Francisco, but to Hawaiian, Asian, and Russian ports as well for trade.

Sluicing for gold during the Klondike Gold Rush

The third reason Americans wanted to move to Alaska was because of the natural resources that the new state provided.  This brought fishermen, hunters, and miners to Alaska.  At least two salmon salteries operated near Sitka, one of which produced between 1,000 to 1,500 barrels of salted salmon every year (Alaska History and Cultural Studies).  Hunters came in hopes of getting into the fur trade.  Seal, bear, fox, wildcat, and sable were among the many types of furs that were traded up and down the western coast of the United States.  After the California gold rush in the mid-1800’s, many prospectors set their sights on Alaska.  Rabbit Creek was the site of the first major discovery in 1896.  The Klondike Gold Rush started in 1898, and with that, an estimated 100,000 people set out to strike it rich; only about 30,000 to 50,000 actually reached the Klondike Valley (Alaska Gold Traveler’s Guide).  

Module IV - Russian America

Essential Question: What was the nature of cultural contact between the Europeans of Russian America and the Natives of Alaska?

One of Russia’s first areas of interest in Alaska was to make contact with the indigenous people who already lived on the land.  As with any two cultures that are meeting for the first time, there were many lessons to be learned and challenges to overcome.  The arrival of the Russians impacted many Native societies’ cultures in several ways, including resources and labor, spirituality, and social culture.

Alaska was bountiful to the Russians in resources.  Furs and pelts were used for profit by doing business with Chinese traders.  However, neither the Russian or Siberian traders hunted the animals.  According to the Alaska History and Cultural Studies website, the Natives were forced to hunt and “the Russians took Aleut [Native] women and children as hostages while the hungers gathered pelts.”  There was resistance from the Native societies’ part, but the traders who dealt with the hostile Natives responded cruelly.  The Russian trading companies in business knew that Native labor was vital to their success, and would at times abuse that knowledge for their own benefit.

Kodiak and Sitka saw its populations grow as trading companies established themselves along the coast.  In the late 1700’s, the first Russian-Orthodox priests began to arrive in Alaska.  The priests had a goal to assimilate the Native culture.  In the Alaska History and Cultural Studies website, “many of the Orthodox missionaries defended Alaska Native people.  The tsar in St. Petersburg had always prohibited the poor treatment of Natives, but many fur traders ignored his orders.”  One of the Russian Orthodox church’s most important missionaries, Bishop Innocent, became a student of Native culture and attempted to communicate openly with Native societies.

Bishop Innocent of Alaska

 Socially, the Russian culture impacted the Alaska Natives’ in many ways.  Russian women rarely made the journey to Alaska.  Therefore, many Russians married Native women.  These connections impacted the languages spoken in Alaska; many spoke the native language and Russian, and later English.  Also, as we’ve already read in Alaska’s earliest history, the contact between the Natives and outsiders (in this case, the Russians) brought about an epidemic of disease that killed many Alaska Natives.

Examine Question: Why were the Russians interested in Alaska? When did the Russians come to Alaska?

In the 15^th Century, many countries of power sent forth explorers in search of new lands.  During this Age of Exploration, many discoveries were made, by Christopher Columbus to Ferdinand Magellan.  Russia also sent forth expeditions in order to be competitive with the Western European powers.

There were several reasons for exploration: finding new trade routes and new people to trade with, discovering new inhabitable lands and sustainable goods, and a desire for geographic knowledge.  In the 1400’s, under the rule of Ivan III the Great, Russia was aggressively pushing to extend its empire in order to increase wealth and population.  Due to its relatively close proximity, the Alaskan lands sounded like a worthwhile investment of Russia’s time and resources to explore.  However, Russia’s “discovery” of Alaska wasn’t recorded until 1741 (Meeting of Frontiers).

The first recorded contact between Russians and Natives on Alaskan land was in 1732 by Mikhail Gvozdev.  While sailing north through the Bering Strait, he landed at Cape Prince of Wales and sailed by King Island.  Vitus Bering is credited with discovering Alaska (Alaska History and Cultural Studies), although in somewhat of a mysterious manner.  After sighting land, Bering sent two separate boats with crewmen to explore the land.  No one ever returned.  However, two Native boats paddled by Bering’s ship, but would not come aboard.  Bering did finally make contact with Alaska Natives while visiting the Shumagin Islands, and was able to exchange items with the people there.

One of the first maps of Alaska, drawn by Vitus Bering.

Evaluation

This module really clarified some parts of Alaska's history for me.  My assumption up to this point was that until America bought the Alaskan land, it was pretty much overrun with the indigenous peoples and Russians - everywhere!  It makes sense that Russia would be closely tied to Alaska, but I never gave it any thought that some inhabitants might also include Swedes, Finns, and Germans.  I was also surprised that the Russian tsar forbade the mistreatment of Alaska Natives.  Maybe it's my cynicism, but for a country that was wanting to expand its wealth and population, you'd think they would take every advantage possible.


Blog Reviews