History of Anchorage, Alaska in Timeline
Anchorage, Alaska, is the state's most populous city, home to approximately 40% of Alaska's residents. The Anchorage metropolitan area, including the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, accounts for over half the state's population. With a land area of 1,706 square miles, Anchorage ranks as the fourth-largest city by area in the United States.
4 hours ago : Today Show's Third Hour Broadcasts Live From Anchorage, Alaska with Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer.
The 'Today' show moved its third hour to Anchorage, Alaska, featuring Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer. They showcased Alaskan scenery and activities, highlighting the state's unique appeal. This broadcast offered viewers a glimpse into Anchorage and its attractions.
1902: Sisters of Providence Bring Healthcare to Nome
In 1902, the Sisters of Providence of Montreal initiated healthcare services in Nome, marking the beginning of the Providence Health System's presence in Alaska.
1910: Hospital Opens in Fairbanks
In 1910, a hospital was established in Fairbanks as part of the growing efforts of Providence Health System to provide healthcare in Alaska.
1911: Families Living at the Mouth of Ship Creek
By 1911, the Whitney and St. Clair families were living at the mouth of Ship Creek.
1912: Alaska Becomes a US Territory
In 1912, Alaska became an organized incorporated United States territory.
1914: Anchorage Selected as Railroad Construction Site
In 1914, Anchorage was chosen as the site for railroad construction to begin.
1915: Settlement as Tent City Begins
In 1915, Anchorage was first settled as a tent city near the mouth of Ship Creek when construction on the Alaska Railroad began.
1915: Residents Vote to Rename the City
In the summer of 1915, residents voted to change the city's name. A plurality favored "Alaska City," but the territorial government declined.
November 1920: Anchorage Incorporation
In November 1920, Anchorage was incorporated as a city.
November 23, 1920: Anchorage Incorporated
Anchorage was officially incorporated on November 23, 1920.
1920: Anchorage Appears on U.S. Census
In 1920, Anchorage first appeared on the U.S. census and incorporated that same year.
1923: Completion of the Alaska Railroad
In 1923, the construction of the Alaska Railroad was completed, and the city's economy centered around the railroad in the 1920s and 1930s.
1929: Clearing of Site for Merrill Field
In 1929, the clearing of a site directly east of the town site boundaries began to create Merrill Field, which served as Anchorage's primary airport during the 1930s and 1940s.
1932: Municipality of Anchorage Operates Electric Utility
From 1932, the Municipality of Anchorage operated its own electric utility, Municipal Light & Power (ML&P).
1937: Hospital Opens in Anchorage
In 1937, a hospital opened in Anchorage, further expanding the healthcare services provided by Providence Health System in the Alaskan territory.
February 3, 1947: Coldest Temperature Recorded
On February 3, 1947, the coldest temperature ever recorded at the original weather station at Merrill Field in Anchorage was −38 °F (−38.9 °C).
1948: Chugach Electric Association Founded
In 1948, the Chugach Electric Association, a nonprofit, member-owned cooperative, was founded to provide electric power in the Anchorage area.
1951: Anchorage International Airport Supersedes Merrill Field
In 1951, Anchorage International Airport superseded Merrill Field as the city's primary airport.
1954: Snowiest Winter Before 2011-2012
The 1954-1955 winter had 132.8 inches (337.3 cm) of snowfall.
1955: Snowiest Winter Before 2011-2012
The 1954-1955 winter had 132.8 inches (337.3 cm) of snowfall.
1956: All-America City Award Won
In 1956, Anchorage won the All-America City Award from the National Civic League.
1958: Anchorage Presbyterian Hospital Opens
In 1958, Anchorage Presbyterian Hospital opened downtown at 825 L Street as a joint venture between local physicians and the Presbyterian Church.
1960: Alaskans rejected attempts to move the capital
Alaskans rejected attempts to move the capital in 1960.
1961: Recorded Instance of Getting Stuck in Mudflats
In 1961, there was a recorded instance of someone getting stuck in Anchorage's treacherous mudflats.
1962: Alaskans rejected attempts to move the capital
Alaskans rejected attempts to move the capital in 1962.
March 27, 1964: Good Friday Earthquake
On March 27, 1964, the Good Friday earthquake hit Anchorage hard at a magnitude of 9.2, killing 115 people and causing $116 million in damages.
1964: Lyndon Johnson wins Anchorage
In 1964, Lyndon Johnson won Anchorage.
1965: All-America City Award Won
In 1965, Anchorage won the All-America City Award from the National Civic League.
1968: ARCO Oil Discovery in Prudhoe Bay
In 1968, ARCO discovered oil in Prudhoe Bay on the Alaska North Slope, spurring further growth in Anchorage.
1968: Prudhoe Bay Oil Discovery
In 1968, the Prudhoe Bay oil discovery shifted Anchorage's economy towards the oil industry.
1974: Voters Approved Moving Capital
In 1974, voters approved moving Alaska's state capital away from Southeast Alaska and to the railbelt.
September 1975: City of Anchorage Merged
In September 1975, the City of Anchorage merged with the Greater Anchorage Area Borough, creating the Municipality of Anchorage.
1975: Anchorage Consolidated with its Borough
In 1975, Anchorage was consolidated with its borough.
1975: City of Anchorage and Greater Anchorage Area Borough Merged
In 1975, the City of Anchorage and the Greater Anchorage Area Borough merged into the geographically larger Municipality of Anchorage.
1975: Establishment of the Municipality
Since the establishment of the municipality in 1975, there have been two Democratic mayors in Anchorage.
1976: Hospital Moves to DeBarr Road
In 1976, the Anchorage Presbyterian Hospital relocated to its current location on DeBarr Road.
1976: Voters Approved New Capital Plan
In 1976, voters approved a plan to build a new capital city near Willow, about 70 miles north of Anchorage.
1977: Northern Knights join EBA
In 1977, the Anchorage Northern Knights joined the eight-team Eastern Basketball Association.
1978: Bond Issue to Fund Capital Construction Defeated
In the 1978 election, opponents defeated a nearly $1 billion bond issue to fund construction of the new capitol building and related facilities.
1979: Northern Knights win league championship
In 1979, the Anchorage Northern Knights captured the 1979-80 league championship.
1980: United States Census
Before the 1980 United States census, the single-member section was centered around Chugiak and Eagle River.
1982: Northern Knights end run
In 1982, the economic recession ended the Anchorage Northern Knights' run in the Continental Basketball Association.
1984: All-America City Award Won
In 1984, Anchorage won the All-America City Award from the National Civic League.
1988: Recorded Instance of Getting Stuck in Mudflats
In 1988, there was a recorded instance of someone getting stuck in Anchorage's treacherous mudflats.
January 1989: Coldest Daily Maximum Recorded
In January 1989, the coldest daily maximum recorded in Anchorage was −19 °F (−28 °C).
1989: Alaska Aces established
In 1989, the Alaska Aces of the ECHL were established in Anchorage.
1991: Start of Averaging Period for Coldest Daily Maximum
From 1991 to 2020, the coldest daily maximum on average in Anchorage was 1 °F (−17 °C).
August 1992: Eruption of Mount Spurr
In August 1992, the eruption of Mount Spurr deposited about 3 mm of volcanic ash on Anchorage.
1992: U.S. Candidate for Winter Olympics
In 1992, Anchorage was the U.S. candidate for hosting the Winter Olympics, but lost to Albertville, France.
1993: Person Stomped to Death by Moose
In 1993, one person was stomped to death by a moose in Anchorage.
1994: Hospital Joins HCA
In 1994, Alaska Regional joined with HCA, one of the nation's largest healthcare providers.
1994: U.S. Candidate for Winter Olympics
In 1994, Anchorage was the U.S. candidate for hosting the Winter Olympics, but lost to Lillehammer, Norway.
1995: Person Stomped to Death by Moose
In 1995, one person was stomped to death by a moose in Anchorage.
2000: Alaska Center for the Performing Arts visitors
In 2000, nearly 245,000 people visited 678 public performances at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
2000: Hotel development
Since about 2000, major hotel developers have been building new hotels along C Street, leading to a new "hotel row".
2002: All-America City Award Won
In 2002, Anchorage won the All-America City Award from the National Civic League.
2004: Anchorage Community Survey on Police Department Performance
In 2004, The Anchorage Community Survey was conducted by the Justice Center at University of Alaska Anchorage. It found that overall, Anchorage residents were fairly satisfied with the performance of the Anchorage Police Department. Most survey respondents perceived the justice system to be "somewhat effective" or "very effective" at apprehending and prosecuting criminal suspects, bringing about just outcomes, and reducing crime.
2005: Base Consolidation
In 2005, as part of a cost-cutting effort, Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson were combined, creating Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER).
2005: Highway to Highway Included in Transportation Plan
In 2005, the Highway to Highway project was included in the Long Range Transportation Plan.
September 7, 2006: Languages Spoken in School District
As of September 7, 2006, students in the Anchorage School District spoke 94 languages.
2007: Dogs Killed by Timber Wolves
In 2007, several dogs were killed by timber wolves while on walks with their owners in the Anchorage area.
2008: Anchorage Airport as Air Cargo Gateway
In 2008, five percent of the value of all United States international air cargo moved through Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
April 2009: Volcanic Activity of Mount Redoubt
During March–April 2009, Mount Redoubt erupted multiple times, resulting in a 25,000 ft high ash cloud and ash accumulation throughout the Cook Inlet region.
2009: Host for US Ski Championship
Anchorage hosted the 2009 US Senior National Cross Country Ski Championship.
2010: Language Spoken at Home
According to the 2010 American Community Survey, approximately 82.3% of Anchorage residents over the age of five spoke only English at home.
2010: Population and ethnic composition
According to the 2010 census, Anchorage had a population of 291,826, and its racial and ethnic composition was recorded.
2010: Largest National Ancestry Groups
According to the 2010 census, the largest national ancestry groups in Anchorage were: 17.3% German, 10.8% Irish, 9.1% English, 6.9% Scandinavian (3.6% Norwegian, 2.2% Swedish, 0.6% Danish) and 5.6% French/French Canadian ancestry.
2010: Host for US Ski Championship
Anchorage hosted the 2010 US Senior National Cross Country Ski Championship.
2010: Population and Housing Statistics
In 2010, Anchorage recorded a population of 291,826 people residing in 107,332 households, with an average household size of 2.64.
2010: Anchorage Crime Rates Reported
In 2010, Anchorage reported 837.7 violent crimes per 100,000 population and 3,518.0 property crimes per 100,000 population. The crime rate in Anchorage, including both violent and property crimes, was higher compared to both Alaska as a whole and the U.S. average. Sexual assault rates in Anchorage were notably high, with the rate of rape being 90.9 per 100,000 population, significantly higher than the U.S. rate of 27.5 per 100,000 population in 2010.
2010: Merrill Field Ranking
In 2010, Merrill Field, a general aviation airport on the edge of downtown, was the 87th-busiest airport in the nation.
2011: Start of Snowiest Winter on Record
The 2011-2012 winter had 134.5 inches (341.6 cm), which made it the snowiest winter on record in Anchorage.
2012: End of Snowiest Winter on Record
The 2011-2012 winter had 134.5 inches (341.6 cm), which made it the snowiest winter on record in Anchorage.
2013: Forbes names Anchorage a Best Place for Business
In 2013, Forbes named Anchorage among its list of Best Places for Business and Careers.
2015: Assembly directs Municipal Elections by Mail
In 2015, The Anchorage assembly directed to conduct municipal elections by mail.
2016: Alaska State Troopers Withdraw Policing from Southern Anchorage
In 2016, Alaska State Troopers withdrew policing services from the southern regions of Anchorage along Turnagain Arm. Following this, Girdwood contracted with Whittier for policing, and the APD provided contract policing to other Turnagain Arm communities the following year.
2017: Port Modernization Project
Beginning in 2017, the Port of Anchorage is undertaking an extensive 7-year Anchorage Port Modernization Project to upgrade its aging infrastructure.
2017: Hotel development
In 2017, two more hotels are set to open along C Street, making this half-mile stretch of C Street a new "hotel row".
2017: Openly Gay Candidates Elected
In the 2017 municipal election, Christopher Constant and Felix Rivera became the first openly gay candidates elected to Anchorage public office.
2018: Municipal Elections by Mail
In 2018, Anchorage began conducting municipal elections by mail and had the highest voter turnout in the city's history.
May 2019: Per capita income
From May 2019 to April 2020, Anchorage's per capita income was $41,415.
July 4, 2019: Highest Temperature Ever Recorded
On July 4, 2019, the highest temperature ever recorded in Anchorage was 90 °F (32.2 °C).
April 2020: Per capita income
From May 2019 to April 2020, Anchorage's per capita income was $41,415.
2020: End of Averaging Period for Coldest Daily Maximum
From 1991 to 2020, the coldest daily maximum on average in Anchorage was 1 °F (−17 °C).
2020: Chugach Electric Association Acquires ML&P
In 2020, Chugach Electric Association acquired Municipal Light & Power (ML&P), with the sale finalized in October. After the acquisition, the cooperative had over 92,000 members.
2020: Biden wins Anchorage
In 2020, Joe Biden became the first Democrat to win Anchorage since Lyndon Johnson in 1964.
2020: Most reported detailed ancestries
In 2020, the most reported detailed ancestries in Anchorage were recorded.
2020: Anchorage Population at 2020 Census
In 2020, the population of Anchorage was 291,247, which represents nearly 40 percent of Alaska's population. The Anchorage metropolitan area had a population of 398,328 in 2020, accounting for more than half of the state's population.
2021: Anchorage Wolverines Established
In 2021, the NAHL approved the addition of an expansion team in Anchorage, named the Anchorage Wolverines.
2023: Highway to Highway Projected Cost
By 2023, the Highway to Highway project would cost at least $575 million ($862 million in 2023 dollars).
2023: Damage Value Adjusted for Inflation
The $116 million in damages from the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake equals $750 million in 2023 dollars.
2023: Value of Bond Issue Adjusted for Inflation
The nearly $1 billion bond issue from 1978 equals $4 billion in 2023 dollars.
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