FINAL PROJECT -X

WWII effects FAIRBANKS, AK

The most impressionable part of this course for me was how WWII effected Alaska. My focus for this final project has been narrowed to the effects WWII had on Fairbanks, AK. 

 Part I - Timeline

WWII impacted Fairbanks militarily by building Ladd Airfield. Ladd Airfield (now Fort Wainwright) is a strategic military location for National Security. Fairbanks was also a refueling stop for the Lend-Lease Program. The infrastructure of Fairbanks changed with this development.

                                               In 1940, Ladd Airfield, later named Fort Wainwright, was 

Google Images

built in Fairbanks, AK as a cold
weather testing station for 
airplanes. Things were heating
up in the north Pacific and the
Federal Government felt it 
necessary to build a strategic
military location.

The Lend-Lease Program-

Statue in Fairbanks, AK-Google Images

"Alaska Skyway" was a program
to transport airplanes from 
Great Falls, MT to Russia.
Fairbanks, AK was one of
the fueling stops in this program. 
The picture to the right is the 
statue in Fairbanks, AK honoring Soviet and U.S.
Soldiers who flew transported
the planes during the Lend-Lease Program. The Lend-Lease
Program was established March 11, 1941. 

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor 
 in December of 1941 by the Japanese
 the Federal Government felt it vital to build a 
roadway, originally called the Pioneer
 Road (aka ALCAN and Alaska Highway),
 to connect Alaska to the lower 48.
 This highway was a military justification defense and resupply of the skyway. The Alaska Highway
was rapidly constructed. Construction started
on March 10, 1942 and was completed in 
October 1943.

The "First Truck to run from Dawson Creek to Fairbanks"is flanked by soldiers carrying flags at the Soldier’s Summit ceremony. November 20, 1942.  (Alaska Highway-A Yukon Perspective)

Cutting the ribbon at the official dedication ceremony opening the Alaska Highway at Soldier’s Summit...(Alaska Highway-A Yukon Perspective)

  With the building of the Alaska Highway came economical growth in Fairbanks as people from the Lower 48 could access Alaska. Fairbanks is a tourist stop along the way to other places on the road system. 

Eskimo Native Dances at the 'native USO' in Fairbanks
Feb. 1944 VILDA ASL-P343-633

Population doubled in Fairbanks
from 1940 - 1950 to 11,700 people. The construction
boom for the Alaska Highway contributed to the
population growth.

Google Images

                                                 

 After the war, Fairbanks became the launching pad for the Alaska Air Command at Ben Eilsen Air Force Base in 1948.        

Along with the Alaska Air Command  came the Distant Early Warning (DEW Line) at Ben Eilsen Air Force Base. 

 

DEW Line - Google Images

                  

PART II

 

1. The military and national security effects on Fairbanks from WWII were significant. As Ladd Airfield was built and the development of the Lend-Lease Program with Fairbanks being a stopping point for refueling airplanes on their way to Siberia, this brought people of different cultures together. Siberian/Russian pilots met in Fairbanks to take the planes onto Russia as they arrived in Fairbanks. 

2. The completion of the Alaska Highway opened opportunities for economical growth and political commoradory between the United States and Canada as both countries supported each other as allies during the war. Fairbanks has benefited economically from the Alaska Highway as tourists travel on the highway making Fairbanks one of their stops. 

3. Fairbank's population grew during the war and since the war. The stability of the Fairbanks economy has been the military presence due to it being a strategic site for national security.

   Fairbanks is effected culturally as the military brings in many different people of different cultures. Many people who come and serve their time in the military often return to make this their home. 

  With the population growth since WWII, this has caused a need for good medical care. Bassett Army Community Hospital

  This hospital not only serves current military personnel, but retired veterans who are retired army and air force.

MODULE IX - GOVERNMENT

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.

 

"the beginning of a great era for the Native people of Alaska."

Tundra Times, Wednesday, December 22, 1971

"The Settlement Act is a complex settlement of a complex situation. Some of its provisions are susceptible to differing interpretations, the more so because there are three parties-at-interest: The Natives, the State of Alaska, and the Federal government, which still has vast riches and vast responsibilities in Alaska. Many problems have arisen already and many more will arise in the implementation of the law.

Enactment required goodwill and broad statesmanship. Fulfillment of the spirit and letter of this historic legislation will require the same great qualities.

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act is monumental legislation of which all Americans, Native and non-Native, can be proud."

—Steward French, "Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act,"
The Arctic Institute of North America,
August 1972

ANSCA IMPACTS TO:

Alaska:  The state of Alaska made out

big time. The state finally gained resolution

Land Ownership in Alaska
AK Dept. of Natural Resources 2005

with the Alaska Natives regarding what land                   

belongs to whom. Alaska also selected what                

portions of the state they would own, Prudoe

Bay, North Slope, just happened to be one 

of those selections. Finally, we as Alaska citizens

all benefit from the oil tax/royalties of 90%.

Alaska Natives:  The Alaska Native Claims

Settlement Act (ANCSA) impacted Alaska Natives

by giving them voice concerning their

land that they had already proclaimed as 

Alaskool

their own. However, another impact it                had on them was that they also gave up

land once proclaimed as their own. Alaska

Natives now could establish corporations

and make investments that would sustain

these corporations which in turn would provide money to support their villages. Native also had a huge learning curve in order to understand how to establish and form the corporations.

AK Native Regional Corporations - in color
www.dec.alaska.gov

EXAMINE:

 What ANILCA lands are in your area?  Identify regulations that affect how that land may be used.

Dall Sheep - Denali National Park and Preserve-Alaska Geographic

 Two ANILCA lands that are in my area are Denali National Park and Preserve.
 I took the 90 mile bus trip through Denali National Park and Preserve last fall.
What a gift! I saw several grizzly bear
out grazing on berries getting ready
for hibernation.








 and Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge.

Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge-Alaska Geographic

Hunting, fishing, trapping,
and goldpanning are
allowed on this refuge. 

Permits are needed
for hunting, fishing,
and trapping. Strict
regulations are
given for goldpanning.


Big Delta State Historical Park is another ANILCA land in my area. This is south of Fairbanks.

Rika's Roadhouse-Alaska Geographic

Rika's Roadhouse is the centerpiece of the park. The house served travelers on the historic Valdez-to-Fairbanks Trail from 1913 to 1947. John Hajdukovich had the north-south section of this log structure built in 1913. The Valdez-to-Fairbanks Trail was being improved at this time and the roadhouse was a center of activity for gold stampeders, local hunters, traders, and freighters. (Alaska Geographic)


Another ANIlCA land in my area is the Chena River. I have canoed on this river. This river is pretty calm for the most part. Motor boats, jet skis, fishing, rafting, and canoeing are allowed on this river.

Red Squirrel Picnic Area-Alaska Geographic

Campgrounds in the area can accommodate all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts, from tent campers to those with deluxe recreational vehicles. Three developed campgrounds exist in the recreation area: Rosehip Campground at milepost 27 Chena Hot Springs Road, Tors Trail Campground at milepost 39, and Red Squirrel Campground and Picnic Area at milepost 43. (Alaska Geographic)

 EVALUATION:

I really enjoyed addressing the questions I chose in this module. I have a much better understanding of the Native corporations. Now when I go to the Doyon Limited craft fair this fall, I will know what that building represents, other than just a craft fair. I am here to explore this state and this course is definitely opened doors for me. 

I also plan on doing some hiking and backpacking along the Chena River. Angel Rocks is an eight mile trail that ends at Chena Hot Springs. I dip in the hot springs is going to feel good after the long hike. 


 BLOGS VISITED:
 Gary's Alaska Blog - Gary, great job on blogging on Alaska Governance. This is so involved and extensive.

Lane's The Alaskan Adventure  - I enjoyed your view on the PFD.

Kelly's Excited About Alaska - I enjoyed your blog. I am looking forward to eating at
Olive Garden. It is the big talk up here in Fairbanks.