Module VI- American Period: Transportation and Communication

Essential Question:
What are issues facing Alaskans today related to transportation and communication?

Funding is critical across the board.  Whether it is from the government or down to the local level, maintenance, general upkeep, and projected development requires lots of money. It's hard to get the funding when the projected needs of transportation (highways, avaiation, AMHS) exceeds their combined revenues by $700 million dollars (Let's Get Moving 2030).  In attempt to make a profit or maintain the service, fare prices and other costs continue to increase.

U.S. Coast Guard  Cutter Healy and Russian tanker Renda
on their way to Nome.
Provided by Sara Francis/U.S. Coast Guard via Getty Images
CBS News

Additional issues lie with the climate itself. With nearly 85% of Alaska covered by permafrost, construction and building is complicated as it melts. Icefields take up an additional 4%, dense sea ice, and weather also contribute to the challenges. We all remember the Russian tanker as broke through hundreds of miles of ice to get to Nome. On land, however, the vast size of Alaska takes its toll. Major rivers and large mountain ranges make it near to impossible to connect roads and communication routes to all the villages and towns. No wonder why aviation is vital, but they have their complications too!

On a larger note, climate changes can be linked to the pollution and emissions globally. Alaska's DOT article, Let's Get Moving 2030, further breaks down the percentage released by means of transportation. Aviation leads in emissions at 67%, land travel (not including rail) 19%, and marine 13%.

I highly recommend the Alaska Department of Transportation Let's Get Moving 2030 article. It's very informative and puts things into perspective.



Examine Question:

Identify the three major railroads in Alaska history- where? when? why? ownership? current status?


1)White Pass and Yukon Railway-
Where:  Skagway to Whitehorse- approximately 110 miles long, over 90% of the rail is in Canada

Photo: John Call Benedict, engineer, stops for a photo with Steam Engine No. 5 in 1900
WY&YR facts

When: Constructed in May 1898. Finished in July 1900.
Why: To transport miners and stampeders to the Klondike gold rush and to link mines to main water sources
Ownership: Close Brothers of London sold the route to Canadian investors in 1951.   During WWII, U.S government used rail for transporting military supplies.
Current Status: In 1982, mines and WP&YR operations closed, but the railroad reopened in 1988. Today, it hosts many tourist excursions and hauls freight.

CR&NR along Abercrombie Canyon with steam shovel
John Urban Collection, 1896-1913, Vilda AMRC b64-1-150

2) Copper River and Northwestern Railway-
Where: Port in Cordova to Kennecott copper mines, approximately 196 miles long, nearly 50% on elevated structures (bridges, trestles)
When: Completed in 1911
Why: To complete a route from interior mines to open bodies of water (through Cordova). Also, shipping of mostly copper ore and some gold and silver
Ownership: Alaska Syndicate bought railroad from Michael J. Heney in 1906.
Current Status: Mine and railroad abandoned in 1938. Land and bridges donated to U.S. government for road development.

3)Alaska Railroad-
Where: Resurrection Bay in Seward to Fairbanks, freight can continue to the Ellison Air Force Base, overall 520 miles of track
When: Completed in 1923

Our trip from Anchorage to Seward on the 4th of July
via the Alaska Railroad.

Why: Route from interior mines to Gulf of Alaska. The transporting of military supplies during WWII and for construction of pipeline.
Ownership: Alaska Central Railroad Company in 1903 was bought out by a group of Canadians in 1904 until they went bankrupt. Alaska Northern Railway Company, originally Alaska Central, purchases it in 1909-1910.
Current Status: Transportation of visitors/tourists, 10 various tours, 6 schedules varying through the year, hauling of freight, up to 8 million tons according to Alaska Railroad.




Extend Question:
How adequate are the systems in your region of the state?

I think the systems in the Southeast are quite adequate. From a water perspective, the Alaska Marine Highway in this region stretches from Bellingham,Wa to Skagway, Ak. From there you can get connections to any other regions in Alaska. The one issue I see, but would be hard to alter, is the timing of arrivals and departures and the duration spent in a port. I know I've ran into problems with that before. The AMHS constantly looks for new ideas and technologies that will benefit the marine highway and its travelers. Furthermore with water travel, cruise lines bring the annual tourists that help support the port towns along the coast. The SE economy would diminish if this system was inadequate or non-existent.

Air travel in the SE and anywhere in Alaska is a prominent means of travel. Either by helicopter or by plane, this method is the quickest way to transport cargo and people in and out of the area.  One downfall is how expensive it is to fly with in the state and trying to get out, but there are many other in state flight companies that can be of aid if one doesn't work out.

Southeastern communication reminded me of how I was going to answer one of the other extend questions in regards to the capitol's location here in Juneau. I enjoyed this because I asked several colleagues on their thoughts. Across the board, everyone stated how much technology has changed and has greatly improved, allowing the governance of Alaska to be successful in Juneau. The legislature is among the many who contribute to the very impressive usage of teleconferencing. Alaskan residents can follow representatives on their personal websites, radio, television, newspapers, etc. All the information can be found online! One of my colleagues told me an interesting fact as we closed our discussion. She said that if the topic of moving Alaska's capital up North came up, she'd ask the individual if he/she participated in the local government. Too often she heard no. It makes you wonder how involved the person would be if the capitol was to be moved to a different, more central location. Just an interesting thought.

Evaluation:

One of my first accidents happened while working on this blog. Auto-save doesn't always auto-save. Lesson learned...bummer. Nonetheless, I'm really enjoying the content of this blog as well as spending the time to look at other blogs.  In relation to the content, just this last summer, my family came up to visit and we drove from Skagway to Whitehorse and then to Haines. It was a great trip, and I got to experience the variety of transportation around Alaska. I'm thankful that I live in an area that is so diverse. Even though I may have visited a glacier by boat, it's a completely different experience seeing the same glacier from an aerial perspective.  I've enjoyed getting to learn about the assorted modes of transportation: air, water, and land.

Blog Comments:
Shannon's blog is visually appealing and informative. I liked how she incorporated personal photos into her blog.

Robin had a nice presentation for her re-cap of Module V. It was easy to read and easy to access previous and new information through her hyperlinks.

Great opening photo in Joan's blog. Being new to Alaska I guess I never truly understood the dynamics of the pipeline and how it cuts through Alaska. I further liked how she tied in current events to our topics. It's very fitting since the legislature is in session.

Module V: American Period: Alaska's Economy

Essential Question:
What have been the major components of the Alaska economy during the American period of 1867-present

Picture I took of a fishing wheel outside of Haines

Through this module we learned of the large spectrum of components that make up the Alaskan economy. Some more prevalent at the beginning of Alaska's purchase by the US, around wars, or in more present times. Each component brought revenue into the economy, but they also greatly contributed to the employment of Alaskan residents.

State of Alaska Department of Labor
and Workforce Development

Alaska History and
Cultural Studies

Water resources include the fishing market and hunting of marine animals, predominately for fur. Approximately 6 billion pounds of seafood is caught every year (Alaska Division of Economy). The Alaska Department of Fish and Game projects that seafood contributes $5.8 billion to the economy.

Expedition possibly in Sitka, 1899
Library of Congress Prints
 and Photographs Division Washington D.C.

Tourism helps the economy in several aspects. In 2008, tourism employed approximately 25,000 individuals (Knapp, 2012). According to the Alaska Office of Tourism and Development, their trend research estimated 1,532,400 visitors during the summer months of 2010.  57% of the passengers traveled by cruise ships, 38% by air, and the remaining by highway or ferry. Tourism during the summer months has been on the slight decline since a high of 1.7 million during the summers of 2007-08 (Alaska Office of Tourism and Development).




Natural Resources in Alaska includes various minerals, oil, and timber. Oil revenue contributes approximately 88% to the Alaskan economy.

Provided by the State of Alaska Commerce
Division of Economic Development

Picture I took on our trip from
 Whitehorse to Haines.

One of the most important aspects of the economy is from federal spending. In Gunnar Knapp's publication on Alaska's Economy he has great graphs that break down spending in 2008, amongst many other attributing factors. Examples included: military procurement contracts $1989 million, salaries and wages $2206 million, medical assistance programs $693 million, highway planning and construction $383 million, airport improvement program $186 million, and Indian housing block grants $80 million. If you get a chance, definitely look as his article.


Examine Question:
What were the main reasons for the American purchase of Alaska?

John Gast, American Progress (circa. 1872)

There were multiple reasons for the United States to purchase Alaska from Russia. The United States was not the only country that was initially interested in Alaska. England, France, and Spain also had potential in the race for new territory.  A main reason to venture North was through the idea of Manifest Destiny. Westward expansion of settlers in the lower 48 states had now extended North to occupy new lands and opportunities from the Russian owned Alaska and possibly territories in Canada.

In addition, the United States was also looking for backup. With the global idea of expansionism, extending influence and controls over the lands, the United States felt the pressure with their newly developed country and looked at Russia as a possible ally.

Another reason was what the land had to offer.  All 570,641 square miles of Alaska provided multiple and seemingly abundant resources.  Minerals, fish, and furs, were the predominate supply that attracted individuals to the area, some still to this day. From that, job opportunities multiplied in obtaining those resources and trading in and out of Alaska. The US would also benefit in having a shorter distance to exchange goods with, such as Asia. The Russian-American Company greatly exercised the use of large coastal trading ports and merchandise warehouses; now the US could take advantage of these establishments and commerce.

On a very far, side note, there was an additional source that I came upon which talked about multiple land purchases around 1867. I found it interesting to look at other purchases around that of Alaska's.

Virgin Islands boundary

William Henry Seward, Secretary of State, underwent negotiations with Denmark; a treaty was signed and then ratified in Denmark. The US Senate compared the $7.5 million asked price of the Virgin Islands to the $7.2 million purchase of Alaska. Land size, 133 vs. 570,641 square miles, and economic opportunities in comparison to the asked price was the deciding factor to not purchase the Virgin Islands. Virgin Islands link. The US later purchased the islands in 1916 for $25 million...(Frommer's Virgin Islands)



Evaluation:
I found this week's module very informative and somewhat more relatable since I'm affected by Alaska's economic status. It was interesting to read about all the various contributions to the Alaskan economy. I personally, liked the charts that compared the economic attributions through out Alaskan history.

Since I grew up elsewhere and recently moved to Alaska, I compared and contrasted the types of economies. I could relate to the information in regards to the lumber industry because that was the staple mark of the area I grew up in. Comparing the end product of board feet with the numbers from other areas was helpful. In 1973, Southeastern Alaskan timber produced 700,000 million board feet versus Idaho's 1.65 billion board feet in 1973. I also really enjoyed all the information on how Juneau was created around mining. I look at the geography differently now, especially when trying to picture tunnels going under the channel that I look at through my window every day. It's amazing!

Statistics for the Idaho's timber can be found at Idaho's Forest Product Industry.

Blog Comments:
I agree with Wendy that sometimes it seems like all the information can easily get jumbled together and finding a way to organize the information can help, such as the 18th century timeline she had posted. It helped me gauge and distinguish the different events.

Christy brought up a great point of how the fur industry was a major contributing factor that led to a decline in the Alaska Native culture. It's unfortunate how one thing can lead to another, and another, and another..It was a great representation of cause and effect.

I liked Lane's section where he very broke down the Creole class. In addition, the image of Spanish named areas and points of contact along the Alaskan coast helped recap their influence in Alaska.

Module IV: Russian America

Essential Question:
What is the legacy of the Russian colonization of Alaska?

The Russian's legacy in Alaska can be seen in various forms.

Iron

The introduction of new tools and technology helped with every day tasks, and introduced new ideas to adopt.  The use of larger farm animals can be beneficial in pulling larger sleighs and wagons, in comparison to the use of dogs. Iron and other metals brought to Alaska were prized for trading and making tools.

Russia left a footprint in Alaska by establishing its first library and museums, as well as introducing Russian Orthodoxy. Some of the religious books were further translated into native languages.

Alaska, Russian-American Company Site,
Sitka 1805Image courtesy Alaska Library

The Russian American Company controlled the trading within Alaska's posts and internationally.The natives, however, had a trying relationship with the RAC, since they were the ones doing the hunting and trapping. Too often, prices and exchanges were unfair. Furthermore, the RAC helped gain the support needed to run the facilities in Russian America, such as schools, medical facilities, and churches.

 

Russian copy of the Treaty of Cession, March 30, 1867
Courtesy of the National Archives

Colonization brought many hardships to the Alaska Native groups. Diseases and illnesses swept through villages. Children were kept hostage in order to get desired results from family and/or village. Resources once readily available in areas were now meager.  Disputes between the settlers and the natives were a vicious cycle that ended with numerous deaths and destruction of ships, villages, forts, etc.

Once Russia realized that they were nearing bankruptcy and wouldn't be able protect their lands, they decided to sell.  The United States purchased Alaska for $7.2 million in 1867. Some native groups were upset with the event since it was never the Russian's land to sell.




Examine Question:
Why were Russians interested in Alaska?

A 1794 drawing of the Russian fur trading settlement on Kodiak.

Russian interest in the state of Alaska was explained by the determination of countries to expand their lands and power. Peter the Great was one of the individuals who strived for this imperialistic control, extending from parts of Europe to China's waters. Coastal ports were then able to house the construction of the ships that would travel across to explore new lands. Peter made sure to select individuals that could carry out his exploration plans after he passed in 1725.

The 1720's and early 1740s were listed as the main starting points where Russians explored Alaskan lands and crossed paths with the natives. In 1741, Georg Steller traveled as a naturalist with Vitus Bering's  expedition to Alaska. Stellar had a different approach as a naturalist, versus 'we come and we conquer'. According to the Alaska History course website, he was interested in the plants, animals, land features (ice pack), and how the various elements work together. It was interesting to learn that both the Steller Jay and Steller Sea Lion received their names through his research, among several other animals that can be seen through his link. (The Steller Sea Eagle is beautiful. I didn't know such a bird exists.)

Link

Alaska, Russian-American Company Sealskin Drying Station
Image courtesy Alaska Library

Other main interests included the resources available. Russian groups realized how the abundance of fury land and sea mammals could be very profitable. Pelts were traded and/or sold to other countries for big money or other resources. The Alaska Heritage mentioned how within a 56 year time frame, Russia left Alaska with about $6 million in pelts (187,000 pelts). When resources seemed so abundant, trading skyrocketed. Residents, trading posts, and other structures flocked to where the trade routes, ports, and resources were most readily available.   Unfortunately, once the resources were depleted or lacking in one area the groups would move to the next profitable site.


Extend Question:


It was really interesting reading the Russian American Reader.  I found the epidemic timeline eerie as it spans from the 1st epidemic of respiratory illnesses in 1791 to the last mentioned in the American Period, influenza and measles epidemic, where 25-50% of the population died. The reader also had a chart that separated the native population numbers into 4 geographical areas. Some numbers drastically dropped, while others greatly increased by the thousands. The site gave reasons for such fluctuations. Lastly, the documentations of communication between Alaska and Russia gives you an idea of how they perceived the exploration and their missions.

Evaluation: 
I had a little more difficulty this week because I didn't have the time I would've liked to really look over and explore additional information on the outside influences to Alaska. Lots of resources. Besides that, I did enjoy learning on this short, but significant section of history. I personally liked the Russian American Reader and its documentation examples.


Blog Comments:
Niki's blog was really easy on the eyes and to read. She did a great job with the use of photos and summing up this past week's module. I also like her used of hyperlinks back to assigned readings and to new information.

I enjoyed reading Joel's response in Module III in regards to defining culture. He brought up some very good points. I also liked reading about his experience in Toksook Bay.

I agree with Crystal's responses on culture and that there is not one thing that can define culture, it's a cluster of characteristics. Culture can be defined as broad or as narrow as we want to.