Anchorage History

The Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska began as a tent city that sprang up around a construction port and supply depot for the Alaska Railroad. Located near the Port of Anchorage at the mouth of the Ship Creek River, the community grew into a bustling frontier town. As work on the railroad progressed, settlers began flocking into the area, lured by the prospects of jobs or adventure. The settlement was known by a variety of names, but it was the U.S. Post Office that finally formalized the name "Anchorage". The city grew steadily over the decades and by 1950 it had surpassed Juneau as the largest city in Alaska.

Winters in Anchorage can be unpredictable. One year may bring bitter cold weather and several feet of snow, while the next features mild temperatures and frequent thaws. Because of the high latitude, winter days are extremely short. On the other hand, summers can be remarkably pleasant, with daytime highs in the 60s and nearly 20 hours of daylight on the summer solstice.

In late February, the residents of Anchorage celebrate the coming of spring with the Fur Rendezvous, the self-styled "largest winter festival in North America." This festival centers around winter sports including skiing and hockey, as well as a torchlight parade, and the ever-popular Outhouse Races. The Fur Rendezvous runs through early March, leading straight into the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

The city of Anchorage is a flurry of activity throughout the summer as residents and tourists take advantage of the mild weather and long days. The Summer Solstice Festival is held in the Town Square's flower-filled park and features live entertainment, arts and crafts, and food stalls. The summer solstice also brings the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon which attracts runners from all over the world.

Most Alaskan vacations begin and end in Anchorage, as it is Alaska's main air, road, and rail hub. Anchorage also serves as an embarkation point for those attracted by the lure of wilderness exploration and adventure, with the route from Anchorage to Seward considered one of the most scenic routes in the state of Alaska.