This Week In Alaska History - Anchorage & Borough United - Alaska's Road Commission Starts

This Week in Alaska History: September 15–21 -

September 15, 1985: Northern Lights Become More Visible as Season Shifts

Northern Lights, shines above Bear Lake

With the onset of darker nights in mid-September, the Aurora Borealis became increasingly visible across Alaska, particularly in Fairbanks. By 1985, aurora tourism began to grow, with local businesses offering guided tours to view the natural light display, marking a shift toward Alaska’s winter tourism economy.

September 16, 1908: Founding of the Alaska Road Commission

The "first car" to travel from Fairbanks to Valdez, 1913

The Alaska Road Commission was established to oversee the construction and maintenance of roads in the territory. This agency played a vital role in developing infrastructure, such as the Richardson Highway, connecting remote regions and supporting economic growth during the early 20th century.

September 17, 1902: Felix Pedro Strikes Gold in Fairbanks

Italian-American gold prospector Felix Pedro

Italian immigrant Felix Pedro discovered gold in the Tanana Valley near Fairbanks on this date, sparking the Fairbanks Gold Rush. This find established Fairbanks as a major mining hub and attracted thousands of prospectors to Interior Alaska, shaping the region’s development.

September 18, 1943: Aleutian Islands Campaign Progresses

Topographic map of Kiska Island

During World War II, U.S. forces continued mopping-up operations in the Aleutian Islands after recapturing Attu and Kiska from Japanese forces earlier in 1943. On this date, military efforts focused on fortifying Dutch Harbor, reinforcing Alaska’s strategic role in the Pacific.

September 19, 1975: Anchorage and Borough Unify

Map of Current Alaska Boroughs

In a special election, voters approved the unification of the City of Anchorage and the Greater Anchorage Area Borough into the Municipality of Anchorage. This consolidation streamlined local governance and shaped the city’s modern administrative structure.

September 20, 1880: Gold Discovered in Juneau

Alaska Perseverance Co. mine and buildings at Silverbow Basin, August 1910

Prospector Joe Juneau and Richard Harris struck gold in Silver Bow Basin, sparking the Juneau gold rush. This discovery led to the founding of the city of Juneau and established Alaska as a major gold mining region, attracting thousands of prospectors.

September 21, 1942: Alaska Highway Officially Opens

Group dedicating the Alaskan Highway 1942

The Alaska Highway, a 1,500-mile road connecting Alaska to the contiguous United States, was officially opened to the public. Built as a military project during World War II to counter a potential Japanese invasion, it became a vital lifeline for Alaska’s connectivity and development.

Proposed A & B Routes for ALCAN in 1938 - Route B Prevailed