This Week in Alaska History: December 19–25

The week of December 19–25 features a range of events from Alaska's territorial period, including military incidents, maritime losses, early communications advancements, community impacts, and infrastructure developments during and after World War II.

December 19 In 1962, a fire caused approximately $300,000 in damage at the Cape Lisburne Air Force Station. This remote Cold War-era radar facility on Alaska's northwestern coast supported aircraft control and warning operations, highlighting the challenges of maintaining isolated military outposts in harsh Arctic conditions.

The radar surveillance station was closed on 1 November 1983,

December 20 In 1920, the steamship SS Dora—a longtime mail vessel serving Alaska routes—wrecked in Hardy Bay, Vancouver Island, resulting in a total loss of the ship. Known as the "bulldog of the North Pacific" for its resilient service through treacherous waters over four decades, the Dora's demise marked the end of an era for coastal freight and passenger transport in the territory.

S.S. Dora

December 21 In 1906, the first message was transmitted via submarine cable between Juneau and Wrangell, marking an early advancement in regional communications. This connection was part of the expanding Washington-Alaska Military Cable and Telegraph System, which improved military and civilian links across southeast Alaska during the territorial era.

December 22 In 1919, a fire destroyed the trading store operated by the Sons of Norway in Petersburg. The blaze affected local commerce in this Norwegian immigrant community, where the Sons of Norway organization played a central role in social and economic life, underscoring the vulnerabilities of wooden structures in early 20th-century Alaskan towns.

View of Petersburg from the water, August 1918, by John Nathan Cobb

December 23 In 1946, the Auke Bay post office near Juneau officially opened for business. This new facility supported growing postal needs in the expanding area north of Juneau, reflecting postwar development and improved services for residents in outlying communities.

Aerial view shows Auke Bay

December 24 In 1906, Ketchikan gained telegraphic service through the installation of a submarine cable. As part of broader efforts to connect southeast Alaska communities, this milestone enhanced rapid communication for commerce, governance, and daily life in one of the region's key ports.

Main street in Ketchikan, September 1908

December 25 In 1929, U.S. authorities took action related to ongoing enforcement efforts in Alaskan waters during the territorial period. Such operations often involved Coast Guard patrols addressing issues like smuggling or illegal fishing, illustrating the challenges of maintaining law in remote maritime regions amid Prohibition-era activities.