What People Remember About the Powerful Anchorage Alaska Earthquake in 1964

Survivors of the Anchorage Alaska earthquake in 1964--share first-hand stories, and photos, so the day won't be forgotten.

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Featured Survivor Stories

Historic Photos

1964 Earthquake Around Alaska

Press play for a short introduction

Then scroll to stories from survivors

These stories are from people who remember Anchorage from the inside out--with the right streets, the right places, and the details that tell you someone was really there.

Curated by Anchorage Memories--Community-submitted accounts

The people who were there still remember it vividly.

Some of the stories that follow include frightening moments and descriptions of destruction.

Photo by Ed Rosek

4th Avenue after the quake

The business district sank about 10 feet and slide toward Ship Creek Flats below, where Anchorage began as a tent city in 1915.

What you'll find on this page:

- Survivor accounts from across Anchorage neighborhoods

- Historic photos and rare images taken by survivors

- A place to add your own memories

Featured Stories

I Survived the 1964 Earthquake Inside the
4th Avenue Theatre

The theater was just west of a section of 4th Avenue that sank nearly 10 feet during the quake.

Linda shares her memories of what it was like inside the 4th Avenue movie theatre when the powerful quake struck Anchorage.

From Linda's Story

“The movie had barely started when the walls of the theatre started shaking and grinding together.”

Alaskan Earthquake No Place to Hide: A Teen Survivor Remembers

L Street, near downtown Anchorage

At the top of the picture is the Alaska Native Hospital. The rubble in front of the hospital is what was left of the L Street apartments, which was still under construction.

The large black jagged line across the picture was where the ground tore apart. 

When the quake struck, Mike of Anchorage Memories was at the bottom of a gravel pit near Martin Arms apartments, not far from Mountain View.

Mike tells his story about his experience during the 1964 quake.

From Mike's Story:

“At 5:36pm, the ground under my feet began to rumble. Our family had lived in Alaska for many years, and we had felt many earthquakes.

But this earthquake was different.

Seconds later, the ground was moving viciously, and ground fissures (cracks in the ground) were opening up all around me.

I quickly realized that this was a really horrible earthquake, and I could be killed down there in the gravel pit and no one would know.”

I Remember 64: Surviving the 1964 Quake in Turnagain

Photo by Marvin Mardock.

The Turnagain area

This Anchorage residential area suffered the most dramatic destruction.

Liquefaction in the soil caused landslides that moved as much as 2,000 feet toward the waters of Cook Inlet. Around 75 homes were destroyed in Turnagain.

J.R. was 11 years old when the quake struck.

From J.R.'s Story

“Dishes were breaking, and the house was really shaking. My dad yelled, “Get out of the house now.” He didn't have to say it twice.

Outside, the trees were swaying and cracking. My brother was halfway down the street with his friend. I don't know where they were going because there was no escape from this.”

Ron Moore 1964 Earthquake Memories From Inside KFQD Radio

Ron Moore, the "Royal Coachman."

Anchorage radio DJ Ron Moore was at KFQD and on the air during the 1964 earthquake.

KFQD was located on KFQD road, now known as West Northern lights boulevard. Located just beyond Turnagain elementary school on the left side headed to what is now, earthquake park. West Marston Drive used to come out to KFQD road. 

From Ron's Story

“I saw fires burning in the city, largely from gas explosions. Fears during the night of a tidal wave never materialized.

And the aftershocks that continued for days kept us all on edge."

Scroll Down and Browse 1964 Earthquake Memories

Each link below is a first-hand account. Some are short snapshots. Others are full stories. 

Start anywhere.

Historic Photos

What You Just Discovered

- The Anchorage Alaska Earthquake in 1964 was a 9.2 magnitude

- It shook for nearly 5 minutes

- Damage reshaped neighborhoods, streets, and lives

Those who experienced the terror and devastation firsthand still vividly recall their experiences—and always will.

Anchorage Memories wishes to thank all the survivors who contributed their stories.

Scroll Down for More Memories from Survivors

Michele
Recalls the Quake

“I remember looking out their living room window and seeing the neighboring trees sway so violently that they seemed to touch the ground with each change in motion.

Those 5 long minutes of the earthquake seemed like an eternity. And the sound—so loud—like 100 freight trains going through your house."

Eric
has this Memory

“As we were making our way out through the small kitchen and out the back door, the house would sway and roll with the ground waves. It was difficult to stand up, much less walk.”

Jack
Remembers this (from Government Hill)

“Someone hollered “earthquake,” and everyone ran for the door. When I got out in the parking lot, the ground was really shaking, and the cars that were parked there were being thrown around. All I could do was kneel so I wouldn't fall.

I looked across the road just in time to see the Government Hill Elementary School split in half and drop into the ground. Thank God it was a holiday and the school was closed.”

The most important details live in the memories--what people saw, heard, and felt minute by minute.

1964 Earthquake Around Alaska

Survivor memories from Cordova, Valdez and Kodiak Island

Cordova and the Great Alaska Earthquake

The shaking was intense as a Cordova schoolteacher's family rides out the shaking--then discovers Cordova's harbor has dropped several feet.

Big Alaska Earthquake
in Valdez

A 14-year-old named Linda watches daylight vanish, as the ground splits open and her family's home is swallowed. And the town of Valdez is change forever.

1964 Earthquake Tsunami
in Kodiak

Jerry tells this fascinating story as the Valdez dock rolls like waves, the sea drains away, and then the harbor comes back with a roar.

Anchorage, Alaska
Memories Club

“I’ve learned a lot about my hometown of Anchorage, and you’ve jogged memories of things I haven’t thought about for years. I can only say, YAY!” Juanita.