Alaska Firsts
Interesting facts from the Great Land
The view from Fort Tongass
The first military post in Alaska
Located on Tongass Island near the southern tip of the Alaska panhandle, Fort Tongass was established in 1868, following the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867.
Shortly after Fort Tongass was up and running, other military posts were set up. Those included Fort Wrangell, a post on St. Paul Island, Kodiak Island, and the Kenai Peninsula.
The First U.S. Army Soldiers in Alaska
In 1867, the 9th Infantry Regiment was stationed in Sitka following that year’s transfer of Alaska from Russia.
First Salmon Cannery in Alaska
In 1878, the North Pacific Trading and Packing Company began operation at Klawock on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska.
The cannery was in operation until 1929.
Yes, You Can Share This Edition
And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will get you a year’s worth of all expenses paid, round-trip flights for two around Alaska… well, it could happen.
The First Airplane Flight in Alaska
Pictured above are James and Lilly Martin.
The first airplane flight in Alaska took place in Fairbanks on July 4, 1913.
Captain James V. Martin and his wife, Lilly, flew over Exposition Park. The two reached an altitude of 200 feet, reaching a speed of 45 miles per hour.
An earlier attempt in 1913 took place in Nome, Alaska.
But that was a failure because the pilot, who was a resident of Nome, had built the aircraft from a kit. Unfortunately, the engine lacked enough power to get the plane off the ground.
The First Anchorage Flight
In April of 1922, pilot Roy Troxell flew a Boeing Seaplane over Cook Inlet before crashing into the mudflats shortly after takeoff.
The pilot was unharmed, but the aircraft was destroyed.
The First Airmail Delivery in Alaska
In 1924, a flight piloted by Carl “Ben” Eilson delivered the first airplane-delivered mail in Alaska.
Also in 1924, Noel Wien piloted the first non-stop flight between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
Alaska Firsts
Yes, Alaska is a big land, the last frontier, and a place filled with firsts. The ones included here are just a few.
Connect with Mike and Mary
It doesn’t matter how you look at it. Alaska is a fascinating place, filled with a rich history, adventurous pioneers, and many firsts.
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Until Next Time
Mike and Mary
Alaska Stories
Keep up the good work. I spent a few years up there. 1953 was the start when, after the last salmon was canned, they zipped her up until the first salmon arrived in the spring. Of course, the winter fishery of shrimp was going strong in the Petersburg and Wrangell areas. All local employees. I moved my family to Wrangell, where I installed the first automated shrimp peeler in Alaska in 1956. We canned the shrimp. The other shrimp plants were hand peelers, and the market was all fresh. I could go on and on about the fishing industry. All of it.