Alaska History

Ioann Veniaminov comes to Alaska

gives Yankees rights for ten years in Russian waters, recognizes 54-40 as southern limit of Russian America.

gives GB right to trade for 10 years. “In essence the two conventions (1824/1825) spelled the beginning of the end of Russian America.” (p. 75)

Hudson Bay gets leased the South East of Alaska

Even more Naval control over the merchants

Russian v. France, Britain, Ottoman Empire

Military rule followed b Treasury Department rule. No civil government

According to Gruening "Era of Total Neglect" Army ruled for first ten years, then Treasury Department and Navy rule briefly. No representative gov, no civil government, no land laws

Not a territory

First Organic Act creates post of appointed governor and district court judge

Created the District of Alaska. Only district ever created in the US. Intent was to save on governance. Provided for only a shadow of a civil government with no rights over legislation or tax revenue.

Makes it impossible to govern the growing area

Congress extends the Act to Alaska, but doesn't have any practical impact.

Alaska Civil Code permits towns/cities to incorporate. Alaska Delegate Act establishes elective position of Delegate in Congress (position lasts from 1906 to statehood)

establishes Alaska Civil Code. Towns can incorporate, first legal representative bodeis. Took awhile for cities to incorporate due to fear of greater tax burden.

Supreme Court "Incorporates" Alaska. Incorporated territory rather than unicorporated. Supposedly same rights as the states. Cannot be let go of.

Decides the final SE border of Alaska

Surveying of Alaska begins

given the right to elect a (non-voting)Delegate to Congress Frank Wasky and Tom Cale were initial two delegates

Judge James Wickersham was elected as Alaska's delegate to congress. He was a powerful advocate for Alaskan issues. He win passage of Second Organic Act

Second Organic Act creates Territory of Alaska w/elected legislature

Official declaration of Territory of Alaska. Elected legistlature, but appointed governor.
No control of natural resources. expressly forbidden to establish counties so they couldn't levy local taxes on resources.

The first act of the first legislative session granted women the right to vote.

Major increase in federal investment

1,500 Natives died during epidemic on the Seward Peninsula

regulations on Alaska fisheries

Started with Elemendorf Field in Anchorage

passed by a 3-2 margin

Alaska gains statehood