This Week In Alaska History 8/16-8/22. Women Vote In AK 7 Years Before The US.

8/16-8/22

August 16, 1920: First Airplane Overflight in Juneau (Juneau)

Juneau experiences its first airplane overflight when one of the four planes of the Black Wolf Squadron passes over on its way to Nome, marking an early milestone in Alaska’s aviation history and demonstrating the potential for air travel in the rugged territory.

Juneau including Douglas Island from satellite image above

August 17, 1826: Alexander Andreyevich Baranov Dies (At Sea, Near Alaska)

Alexandr Andreyevich Baranov, painting by Mikhail T. Tikhanov, 1818

Alexander Baranov, the first governor of Russian Alaska and a key figure in the Russian-American Company, dies at sea after a long career managing Russian interests in Alaska. His leadership shaped early colonial efforts and trade in the region.

August 18, 1913: Alaska Territorial Legislature Grants Women Voting Rights (Statewide)

Alaska suffragists c. 1916

The Alaska Territorial Legislature passes a law granting women the right to vote, seven years before the 19th Amendment is ratified nationally, marking a significant step toward gender equality in the territory.

August 19, 1935: Territorial Legislator Alton C. Nordale Dies in Plane Crash (Near Healy River)

Alton C. Nordale, a Territorial Legislator, perishes in a plane crash near Healy River, underscoring the dangers of early aviation in Alaska's rugged terrain.

August 20, 1953: First Televisions Displayed in Fairbanks (Fairbanks)

RCA 630-TS, the first mass-produced television set, which sold in 1946–1947

The Northern Commercial Company displays the first televisions to arrive in Fairbanks at the Tanana Valley fairgrounds, with prices ranging from $259 to $419, marking a milestone in bringing modern technology to Alaska's interior.

August 21, 1922: Fire Destroys Post Office and Buildings in Haines (Haines)

A fire ravages Haines, destroying the post office and several other buildings, reflecting the challenges of fire safety in remote Alaskan communities during the early 20th century.

August 22, 1794: Captain George Vancouver Ends Alaska Surveys (Baranof Island)

George Vancouver Portrait

Captain George Vancouver and his ships sail from Port Conclusion on Baranof Island, concluding his extensive surveys of Alaska's coastline and contributing valuable knowledge to European mapping of the region.