Alaska History: Difference between revisions

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{{AK-sidebar}}
==Brief History==
{{breadcrumb
The following important events in the history of [[Portal:Alaska|Alaska]] affected political boundaries, record keeping, and family movements.  
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2=[[United States History|U.S. History]]
| link3=[[Alaska, United States Genealogy|Alaska]]
| link4=
| link5=[[Alaska History|History]]
}}
 
==Online Resources==
 
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=27626 Alaska, the great country]($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=27469 Alaska, an empire in the making]($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=27470 Trailing and camping in Alaska]($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=27468 Appletons' guide-book to Alaska and the Northwest Coast]($)
 
==Timeline==
 
The following important events in the history of [[Alaska, United States Genealogy|Alaska]] affected political boundaries, record keeping, and family movements.
 
*'''1741:''' Discovered by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitus_Bering Vitus Bering], a Dane working for Russia.
*'''1783:''' Russian fur traders established the first white settlement on Kodiak Island.
*'''1799''': Sitka was permanently founded by the Russians.
*'''1808:''' Sitka designated capital of Russian America. It served as Alaska's capital until 1906, when the capital was moved to Juneau.
*'''1824-1828''': In treaties with the United States and Great Britain, Russia agreed to recognize latitude 54° 40 N as Alaska's southern boundary and longitude 141° W as the eastern boundary. Further boundary adjustments between Alaska and British Columbia were made in 1903.
*'''18 October 1867:''' The United States purchased Alaska from Russia.
*'''1880:''' First Federal Census in this territory, especially enumerated.
*'''1884:''' Congress passed the first Organic Act, providing a governor and federal courts for Alaska. May 17, 1867 Alaska became a territory.
*'''1896:''' The Klondike gold strike started a rush to the Canadian Yukon Territory. Gold was discovered at Nome in 1899 and at Fairbanks in 1902. The gold rush brought over 50,000  persons into the region.
*'''3 January 1959:''' Alaska became a state.


*'''1741:''' Discovered by Vertus Bering, a Dane working for Russia.
*'''1783:''' Russian fur traders established the first white settlement on Kodiak Island.
*'''1799''': Sitka was permanently founded by the Russians. It served as Alaska's capital until 1906, when the capital was moved to Juneau.
*'''1804:''' Sitka was permanently founded by the Russians. It served as Alaska's capital until 1906, when the capital was moved to Juneau.
*'''1824-1828''': In treaties with the United States and Great Britain, Russia agreed to recognize latitude 54° 40 N as Alaska's southern boundary and longitude 141° W as the eastern boundary. Further boundary adjustments between Alaska and British Columbia were made in 1903.
*'''1867:''' (October 18)The United States purchased Alaska from Russia.
*'''1884:''' Congress passed the first Organic Act, providing a governor and federal courts for Alaska. May 17, 1867 Alaska became a territory.
*'''1896:''' The Klondike gold strike started a rush to the Canadian Yukon Territory. Gold was discovered at Nome in 1899 and at Fairbanks in 1902.
*'''1912:''' Congress passed the second Organic Act, establishing Alaska as a U.S. territory and providing for a territorial legislature.
*'''1959:''' (January 3,) Alaska became a state.
==Local Histories==
==Local Histories==
Some of the most valuable sources for family history research are local histories. Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain accounts of families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses. You can also find lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives may be included that will provide important clues for locating your ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. Local histories are extensively collected by the [[Family History Library|Family History Library]], public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies. Two useful guides are:


Some of the most valuable sources for family history research are local histories. Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain accounts of families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses. You can also find lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives may be included that will provide important clues for locating your ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. Local histories are extensively collected by the [https://www.familysearch.org/en/library/ FamilySearch Library], public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies. Two useful guides are:
*''A Bibliography of American County Histories'' <ref> Filby, P. William. A Bibliography of American County Histories. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1985. ([http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&title=A+Bibliography+of+American+County+Histories&pretitle=A+Bibliography+of+American+County+Histories FHL book 973 H23bi])</ref>
 
*''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress'' <ref> Kaminkow, Marion J. United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress. 5 vols. Baltimore: Magna Charta Book, 1975-76. ([http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=252458&disp=United+States+local+histories+in+the+Lib%20%20&columns=*,0,0 FHL book 973 A3ka].) </ref>
*''A Bibliography of American County Histories'' <ref>Filby, P. William. ''A Bibliography of American County Histories''. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1985. ({{FSC|A Bibliography of American County Histories|title|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H23bi}})</ref> <ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/12356760referer=brief_results Worldcat] </ref>
 
*''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress'' <ref>Kaminkow, Marion J. ''United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress''. 5 vols. Baltimore: Magna Charta Book, 1975-76. ({{FSC|252458|title-id|disp=FS Catalog book 973 A3ka}}.) </ref><ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=United+States+Local+Histories+in+the+Library+of+Congressqt=results_page Worldcat] </ref>


==State Histories Useful to Genealogists==
==State Histories Useful to Genealogists==
Good genealogists strive to understand the life and times of their ancestors. In this sense, any history is useful.
But certain kinds of state, county, and local histories, especially older histories published between 1845 and 1945, often include biographical sketches of prominent individuals. The sketches usually tend toward the lauditory, but may include some genealogical details. If these histories are indexed or alphabetical, check for an ancestor's name. Some examples for the State of Alaska are


Good genealogists strive to understand the life and times of their ancestors. In this sense, any history is useful. But certain kinds of state, county, and local histories, especially older histories published between 1845 and 1945, often include biographical sketches of prominent individuals. The sketches usually tend toward the laudatory, but may include some genealogical details. If these histories are indexed or alphabetical, check for an ancestor's name. Some examples for the State of Alaska are
An especially helpful source for studying the history of Alaska is William R. Hunt, ''Alaska: A Bicentennial History'' <ref> ''Alaska: A Bicentennial History'' (New York, NY: W. W. Norton &amp; Company, 1976; Family History Library [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=214738&disp=Alaska%2C+a+bicentennial+history%20%20&columns=*,0,0 book 979.8 H2hu]). </ref>.
 
An especially helpful source for studying the history of Alaska is William R. Hunt, ''Alaska: A Bicentennial History'' <ref>''Alaska: A Bicentennial History'' (New York, NY: W. W. Norton Company, 1976; FamilySearch Library {{FSC|214738|title-id|disp=book 979.8 H2hu}}). </ref>.  


==United States History==
==United States History==


TThe following are only a few of the many sources that are available:  
The following are only a few of the many sources that are available at most large libraries:


*''The Almanac of American History'', <ref>Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. ''The Almanac of American History.'' Greenwich, Conn.: Bison Books, 1983. ({{FSC|The Almanac of American History.|title|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2alm}}) </ref><ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/9392978referer=brief_results Worldcat] </ref>This provides brief historical essays and chronological descriptions of thousands of key events in United States history.
*''The Almanac of American History'', <ref> Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. ''The Almanac of American History.'' Greenwich, Conn.: Bison Books, 1983. ([http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&title=The+Almanac+of+American+History.&pretitle=The+Almanac+of+American+History. FHL book 973 H2alm]) </ref>This provides brief historical essays and chronological descriptions of thousands of key events in United States history.


*''Dictionary of American History, Revised ed'' <ref>'' Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols''. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976. ({{FSC|76529|title-id|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2ad}}.)</ref> <ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/2507380referer=brief_results Worldcat] </ref>This includes historical sketches on various topics in U.S. history, such as wars, people, laws, and organizations. A snippet view is available at [http://books.google.com/books?id=Lz9WC9EyF08C&q=9780684138565&dq=9780684138565&ei=F4GxSbisHpDMlQSW3Z36BQ&pgis=1 Google books].
*''Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium'' <ref>'' Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium''. Springfield, Mass.: G&C Merriam, 1971. ([http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&title=Webster%27s+Guide+to+American+History%3A+A+Chronological%2C+Geographical%2C+and+Biographical+Survey+and+Compendium&pretitle=Webster%27s+Guide+to+American+History%3A+A+Chronological%2C+Geographical%2C+and+Biographical+Survey+and+Compendium FHL book 973 H2v]) </ref> This includes a history, some maps, tables, and other historical information.


*''Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium'' <ref>'' Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium''. Springfield, Mass.: G C Merriam, 1971. ({{FSC|Webster%27s Guide to American History%3A A Chronological%2C Geographical%2C and Biographical Survey and Compendium|title|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H2v}}) </ref><ref>Limited view at [http://books.google.com/books?id=MVU6DS6Re8gCprintsec=frontcoverdq=Webster%27s+Guide+to+American+History:+A+Chronological,+Geographical,+and+Biographical+Survey+and+Compendium%27ei=Vn-xSeS6FJDUlQSby81v#PPP13,M1 Google Books] </ref><ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=Webster%27s+Guide+to+American+Historyqt=owc_search Worldcat] </ref>This includes a history, some maps, tables, and other historical information.
*''Dictionary of American History, Revised ed'' <ref>'' Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols''. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976. ([http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=76529&disp=Dictionary+of+American+history%20%20&columns=*,0,0 FHL book 973 H2ad].)</ref> This includes historical sketches on various topics in U.S. history, such as wars, people, laws, and organizations.
 
*''Writings on American History'' <ref>''Writings on American History'' By American Historical Association, Library of Congress, United States National Historical Publications Commission, Published by KTO Press, 1921 {{FSC|244514|title-id|disp=FS Catalog book 973 H23w}} </ref><ref>[http://www.worldcat.org/search?q=Writings+on+American+Historyqt=owc_search Worldcat] </ref>Has the full text available at [http://books.google.com/books?id=mgEPAAAAYAAJ&dq=United+States+Local+Histories+in+the+Library+of+Congress&ei=N3yxSd6pI4K0kATC-qRu Google Books]
 
<br>To find more books and articles about Alaska's history use the Internet [http://www.google.com/ Google] search for phases like "Alaska history." [[FamilySearch Catalog Surname Search|FamilySearch Catalog Surname Search]] lists many more histories under topics like:


To find more books and articles about Alaska's history use the Internet Google search for phases like "Alaska history."
[[Family History Library Catalog Surname Search|Family History Library Catalog Surname Search]] lists many more histories under topics like:
::ALASKA - HISTORY
::ALASKA - HISTORY
::ALASKA. [COUNTY] - HISTORY
::ALASKA. [COUNTY] - HISTORY
::ALASKA, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - HISTORY
::ALASKA, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - HISTORY  
::ALASKA, BIBLIOGRAPHY
::ALASKA, BIBLIOGRAPHY
 
=== The Gold Rush ===
===The Gold Rush===
*[http://www.library.state.ak.us/hist/parham.html#alaska Finding your Gold Rush Realitive ]
 
*Site offers historic information on the discovery of gold, traveling to the gold fields, gold mining, daily life, gold rush stories and more:[http://www.library.state.ak.us/goldrush/ Alaska's Gold].  
*[http://www.library.state.ak.us/hist/parham.html#alaska Finding your Gold Rush Relative]
=== Web Sites  ===
*Site offers historic information on the discovery of gold, traveling to the gold fields, gold mining, daily life, gold rush stories and more: [https://education.alaska.gov/temp_lam_pages/library/goldrush/ Alaska's Gold].
*[http://fairbanks-alaska.com/alaska-history.htm Alaska History]
 
*[http://www.akhistorycourse.org/ Alaska History and Cultural Studies]
===Websites===
 
*[http://vilda.alaska.edu/index.php Alaska's Digital Archives] - presents a wealth of historical photographs, albums, oral histories, moving images, maps, documents, physical objects, and other materials from libraries, museums and archives throughout the state.
*[http://fairbanks-alaska.com/alaska-history.htm Alaska's History]
*[http://www.akhistorycourse.org/ Alaska's History and Cultural Studies]
*[http://www.censusfinder.com/alaska-historical-museums.htm Historical Museums Guide for Alaska]
*[http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108178.html Information about Alaska]
*[http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108178.html Information about Alaska]
*[http://kodiakisland.net/timeline.html Kodiak Island Timeline]
*[http://kodiakisland.net/timeline.html Kodiak Island Timeline]
*[http://www.boem.gov/About-BOEM/BOEM-Regions/Alaska-Region/Ships/Index.aspx Ship Wrecks off Alaska's Coast] has a list of ship wrecks occuring in Alaska from the earliest times (1741) to the present
*[http://www.mms.gov/alaska/ref/ships/index.htm  Ship Wrecks off Alaska's Coast] has a list of ship wrecks occuring in Alaska from the earliest times (1741) to the present  
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Alaska Wikipedia]
 
==Sources==
==Sources==
 
<references/>
<references />
[[Category:Alaska]]
 
[[Category:Alaska, United States|History]]
[[Category:Timeline]]
[[Category:United States History]]

Revision as of 14:37, 5 March 2009

Brief History[edit | edit source]

The following important events in the history of Alaska affected political boundaries, record keeping, and family movements.

  • 1741: Discovered by Vertus Bering, a Dane working for Russia.
  • 1783: Russian fur traders established the first white settlement on Kodiak Island.
  • 1799: Sitka was permanently founded by the Russians. It served as Alaska's capital until 1906, when the capital was moved to Juneau.
  • 1804: Sitka was permanently founded by the Russians. It served as Alaska's capital until 1906, when the capital was moved to Juneau.
  • 1824-1828: In treaties with the United States and Great Britain, Russia agreed to recognize latitude 54° 40 N as Alaska's southern boundary and longitude 141° W as the eastern boundary. Further boundary adjustments between Alaska and British Columbia were made in 1903.
  • 1867: (October 18)The United States purchased Alaska from Russia.
  • 1884: Congress passed the first Organic Act, providing a governor and federal courts for Alaska. May 17, 1867 Alaska became a territory.
  • 1896: The Klondike gold strike started a rush to the Canadian Yukon Territory. Gold was discovered at Nome in 1899 and at Fairbanks in 1902.
  • 1912: Congress passed the second Organic Act, establishing Alaska as a U.S. territory and providing for a territorial legislature.
  • 1959: (January 3,) Alaska became a state.

Local Histories[edit | edit source]

Some of the most valuable sources for family history research are local histories. Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain accounts of families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses. You can also find lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials. Even if your ancestor is not listed, information on other relatives may be included that will provide important clues for locating your ancestor. A local history may also suggest other records to search. Local histories are extensively collected by the Family History Library, public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies. Two useful guides are:

  • A Bibliography of American County Histories [1]
  • United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress [2]

State Histories Useful to Genealogists[edit | edit source]

Good genealogists strive to understand the life and times of their ancestors. In this sense, any history is useful. But certain kinds of state, county, and local histories, especially older histories published between 1845 and 1945, often include biographical sketches of prominent individuals. The sketches usually tend toward the lauditory, but may include some genealogical details. If these histories are indexed or alphabetical, check for an ancestor's name. Some examples for the State of Alaska are

An especially helpful source for studying the history of Alaska is William R. Hunt, Alaska: A Bicentennial History [3].

United States History[edit | edit source]

The following are only a few of the many sources that are available at most large libraries:

  • The Almanac of American History, [4]This provides brief historical essays and chronological descriptions of thousands of key events in United States history.
  • Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium [5] This includes a history, some maps, tables, and other historical information.
  • Dictionary of American History, Revised ed [6] This includes historical sketches on various topics in U.S. history, such as wars, people, laws, and organizations.

To find more books and articles about Alaska's history use the Internet Google search for phases like "Alaska history." Family History Library Catalog Surname Search lists many more histories under topics like:

ALASKA - HISTORY
ALASKA. [COUNTY] - HISTORY
ALASKA, [COUNTY], [TOWN] - HISTORY
ALASKA, BIBLIOGRAPHY

The Gold Rush[edit | edit source]

Web Sites[edit | edit source]

Sources[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Filby, P. William. A Bibliography of American County Histories. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1985. (FHL book 973 H23bi)
  2. ↑ Kaminkow, Marion J. United States Local Histories in the Library of Congress. 5 vols. Baltimore: Magna Charta Book, 1975-76. (FHL book 973 A3ka.)
  3. ↑ Alaska: A Bicentennial History (New York, NY: W. W. Norton & Company, 1976; Family History Library book 979.8 H2hu).
  4. ↑ Schlesinger, Jr., Arthur M. The Almanac of American History. Greenwich, Conn.: Bison Books, 1983. (FHL book 973 H2alm)
  5. ↑ Webster's Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and Biographical Survey and Compendium. Springfield, Mass.: G&C Merriam, 1971. (FHL book 973 H2v)
  6. ↑ Dictionary of American History, Revised ed., 8 vols. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1976. (FHL book 973 H2ad.)
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