Module VII-American Period: Society

 Essential Question:
How have the settlement patterns of Alaska been a reflection of the natural landscape, distance, resources, and the economy?

Juneau Alaska, 1899
Harriman Alaska Expedition, taken by Edward S. Curtis

One of my initial reactions was how settlement along the coast seemed prominent among other areas during early exploration. Settlers were then close to main transportation routes and all resources passed by you, whether the supplies were coming or going. You were in the hub! Fishing camps and canneries speckled parts of the coast line and lumber camps open on others. As more of the Alaskan landscape was explored, settlements followed the railroads and roads that started springing up. Water systems that led deep into Alaska also allowed access to new territories and opportunities to build.

Klondike outfits near Dyea, Alaska 1898
Alaska State Library P21-11

   Once residents began to exploit the resources, bigger companies or 'big guns' caught drift of the booming economy. From there, towns continued to grow and further expanded to nearby areas. The gold rush during the late 1800s attracted thousands to Alaska. Not only did individuals flock to the mining sites, they also set camps along the supply lines. Later in the 1950's, oil sparked a new type of profitable industry. During the construction of the pipeline in the 70s, thousands more flocked to Alaska.

As mentioned by the Alaska history and cultural studies website, the U.S Army recognized the influx of inhabitants and saw the urge to return back to Alaska. Upon their return, multiple posts were established and connecting roads allowed for more developments and means of communication.

Settlement patterns greatly depend on the resources available and the natural landscapes. From there, the economy would either flourish or it would dwindle.

Examine Question:
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is the farthest north public university in the United States. What are the specialized academic areas at UAF that make it unique among American universities?

Informative sign about the center
History on the Geophysical Institute site

UAF is one of the few Land, Sea, and Space Grant universities. Students have the phenomenal opportunity of visiting the only scientific rocket launching facility, Poker Flat Research Range, owned by a university (About UAF).
Compared to other American universities, UAF has an increased affiliation with the NASA program.

Here's a list of some areas of research:
-Arctic research and arctic biology
-Geophysics and geology
-Minerals/petroleum development
-Fisheries and ocean sciences
                                                                                   -Cultural studies

Because of Alaska's vast and diverse terrain, students have the opportunity to explore all the resources that compile the land we live on, as well as understanding its multiple types of inhabitants. UAF is also the only university in Alaska that offers doctoral degrees.



Extend Question:
What are the health care services available in you community?


Here's a copy of Juneau's Community Resources, last updated January, 2012. The page includes all types of resources from housing, employment & training, to age specific support services. Here's what is listed for health & medical services:

-Adaptive Needs
-Alaska's Tobacco Quit Line
-Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection
-BRH-Bartlett Regional Hospital-diabetes program, emergency room, & Rainforest Recovery Center

-CCS-Catholic Community Service Hospice & Home Care
-Compass Homecare
-Community Mental Health Services
-Cornerstone Home Health & Hospice
-Family Practice Physicians
-Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Program
-Front Street Clinic/SEARHC
-HOPE-Community Resources Inc.



-JAMHI-Juneau Alliance Mental Health Inc.
-JASAP-Juneau Alcohol Safety Action Program
-NCADD-National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependencies

-SEAMS-South East Alaska Medical Services
-SEARHC-SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium
-Southeast Medical Clinic
-Tongass Substance Screening
-Valley Medical Care


Additional services that I found fitting within this category included:
Juneau Family Birth Center
Juneau Health Center-Planned Parenthood
Wellspring Integrative Medical & Natural Birth Center






Evaluation:
I really enjoyed looking through Juneau's community database. It does a great job of consolidating a bunch of information into one location in a very easy, legible way. The most interesting section I found was about early health care and the Morningside Hospital. It's hard to believe that the first hospital for the mentally ill wasn't created until the late 1950s and those who were sentenced by the court as mentally ill and not able to take care of themselves could be sent to a hospital in Oregon. Those who left had a good chance of never returning back to Alaska. It's hard to believe that we could just send people away because of the lack of knowledge and resources available.

Blog Comments:
I really enjoyed Marg's use of pictures for supporting her blog. Also, very informative on the multiple highways that are in Alaska.

Heidi had a great explanation for all the recreational activities. There are so many and it's hard to be able to identify them all. There's such a grab bag of activities that we can be involved in by living in Alaska. I too am looking forward to the folk festival and do have the multiple skis that help conquer different terrains. Great overall explanation!

I can relate to Heather's section on how dependent my community is on air transportation. Eventhough there is the Alaska Marine Highway, it does take way too long to get from point A to point B. Thank you for linking the research to Northern Economics, Inc.