Anchorage Alaska

From its beginning as a tent city in 1915, Anchorage, Alaska, has a very interesting history. Discover the largest city in Alaska.

Did you know this about Anchorage Alaska?

Most towns in Alaska were first settled by native tribes, or because of the discovery of gold nearby.

Anchorage, however, came about for a different reason.

The story of Anchorage Alaska goes back to 1914 when the U.S. government purchased the Alaska Northern Railroad and relocated its headquarters to the mouth of Ship Creek, where it feeds into Cook Inlet.

At that time, there was no settlement, not even a trading post.

But all that changed quickly because there was a railroad to build.

Word of a railroad coming to Alaska and needing workers spread quickly.

From April to August 1915, thousands of people from all over the world came to the area by steam ship, seeking employment.

Ships arrived at Cook Inlet, dropped anchors and lowered small boats into the muddy waters to transport exhausted travelers to shore at the mouth of Ship Creek.

It Began as a Tent City at the mouth of Ship Creek

Travel weary people, seeking employment, found no accommodations.

The area was nothing but wilderness and the only source of drinkable water was Ship Creek. Conditions were primitive and unsanitary.

They cut down trees, and a rugged tent city sprang up on the banks of the creek.

It was rough and crude, but it was the beginning of what would quickly become Anchorage, Alaska.

Town Site Auction

Andrew Christensen (seen at the podium in the above photo) worked for the U.S. Government and had the task of laying out the new town.

On July 10, 1915, Christensen auctioned off the town site lots to a crowd of about 2,000.

Lots sold for between 25 and 400 dollars each.

The auction was a bigger success than imagined, bringing in a total of 148,000 dollars in sales.

Naming the New Town

To name the new town that had sprung up on the shores of the creek, the town folk held a vote.

Names considered included:

Matanuska
Ship Creek
Homestead
Alaska City
Terminal
Gateway

The name “Alaska City” won the most votes.

Then the U.S. Post office stepped in.

Across Cook Inlet is the small community of Knik.

And anchored in the inlet next to Knik was a boat named “Anchorage”.

So, the Post Office decided that the name for the new town on the banks of Ship Creek would be Anchorage.

Modern-Day Anchorage Alaska

Today, Anchorage Alaska is a thriving city with a population of around 292,000 which is about 40% of the state's population.

Weather

Anchorage has an unpredictable subarctic climate.

It features cool, cloudy summers and freezing cold, snowy winters.

Average temperatures during the year range from 13 to 68 degrees F. 

The highest temperature ever recorded was 90 degrees F on July 4, 2019

The coldest day on record stands at -34 degrees F which occurred on January 5, 1975. Yes, that's cold.

ANCHORAGE WEATHER

What Do Locals Say?

Below are stories about growing up and living in Anchorage Alaska

“Reading “My Beautiful Alaska”

(here on Anchorage Memories)

made me almost unbearably homesick

for Anchorage and Alaska”  Darragh

“Interesting stories,
love Anchorage Memories” Christine

“I've been wanting to write about my experiences in Anchorage for years. Now, because of Anchorage Memories I can.” Marci

Lake Hood

Located in Anchorage, Lake Hood is home to more small aircraft than anywhere in the world.

In the summer, plans take off and land on the lake, using pontoons.

Winter means that aircraft have to adjust by using skis on the ice and snow-covered lake.

The Anchorage Visitor's Log Cabin

They come from all over the world, to spend a few hours or a few days in Anchorage, enjoying what some Alaskan's take for granted.

Right in the heart of 4th Avenue, Anchorage's modern main street, you'll find the Visitor's Log Cabin. A great place to visit, get some information and discover things you can do in and around town.

BONUS

Do you know where this historic log cabin came from?

Take a closer look at the Anchorage Visitor's Log Cabin and enjoy.

Anchorage Alaska

Fur Rendezvous Winter Carnival

In 2012, National Geographic Explorer named Anchorage's Fur Rendezvous the world's number one winter carnival

“Rondy” takes place in February and features:

• Parade
• Fur Auction
• Carnival rides
• Outhouse races
• Sled Dog races

People from all over the world come to enjoy the Fur Rendezvous.

Anchorage Alaska

We have only just scratched the surface when it comes to the story of Anchorage. The biggest city in Alaska is a must-see.

Is visiting Alaska your dream?

If so, be sure to include Anchorage, Alaska as one of your destinations.

Before You Go

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“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.