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.