Women In Alaska's History

1700 | 1800 | 1900

This time-line is of the major events in Alaska's history and focuses on some of the most significant accomplishments made by women; as such it is not entirely comprehensive.

1783

Princess Natalya Alexyeva Shelikof co-discovers Kodiak Island with her husband Grigorri Shelikof.

1784

The first Russian colony in America is established at Three Saints Bay, now Kodiak, by Gregor and Natalya.

1834

Russians establish a fort and trading site at Nulato.

1849

Russian Mining engineer discovers gold and coal on Kenai.

1867

Alaska is sold to the U.S. for $7,200,000. The U.S. flag was raised, making Sitka Alaska's first capital.

1873

Traders Arthur Harper, Alfred Mayo, and Jack McQuesten arrive in the Yukon River basin. Arthur and Jennie, Al and Margaret marry in 1874; Jack and Kate marry in 1878.

1877

Amanda McFarland arrives at Fort Wrangell to become the first woman missionary in Alaska.

1880

Indians agree to allow prospectors to use Chilkoot Pass.

Joe Juneau and Richard Harris make major gold strike on Gold Creek near Juneau.

1884

Congress passes the Organic Act of 1884, providing a civil government for Alaska.

1894

McQuestens establish Alaska Commercial Company store at Circle City.

1896

Ethel and Clarence Berry stake a claim on Eldorado Creek.

George & Kate Carmack, Tagish Charlie and Skookum Jim make a discovery on Bonanza Creek, setting off the great Klondike Gold Rush.

1897

Al and Margaret Mayo open a trading post at Rampart.

Belinda Mulrooney opens the Grand Forks Hotel, Dawson.

S.S.Excelslor and S.S. Portland arrive at San Francisco and Seattle loaded with their "ton" of Klondike Gold, the stampede begins.

1898

Sixty five people die ln Chilkoot Pass avalanche; some of them women.

1899

Josie and Wyatt Earp open the Dexter Saloon, Nome. <> White Pass & Yukon Railway begins passenger service to White Pass summit.

Belinda Mulrooney opens the Fairview Hotel, Dawson.

1901

Isabelle and E.T. Barnette establish Barnette's cache.

1902

Holy Cross Hospital is founded in Nome by four nuns.

Isabelle Cleary Barnette arrives at the the site of Fairbanks, to help establish the city.

1906

Nome Kennell Club organizes to promote sled dog racing.

Alaska's capital moved to Juneau.

Belinda Mulrooney opens Dome City Bank.

Peak year of placer gold recovery, Fairbanks Mining District.

1908

Alaska Road Commission surveys route from Seward to Nome, later called the Iditarod Trail.

1910

The "Sourdoughs," four Kantishna miners, make first ascent of Mt. McKinley.

1912

Congress passes Organic Act of 1912, giving Alaska Territorial Status and a Legislature.

1913

Alaska Territorial Legislature grants Alaskan women the right to vote.

1915

Orah Dee Clark becomes the first woman principal of Anchorage schools.

1916

Lena Morrow Lewis is first Alaskan woman to run for position as delegate to the US Congress.

1924

Congress grants Native Americans the right to vote and U.S. citizenship.

1927

Marvel Crosson becomes the first Alaskan woman to receive a pilots license.

1935

Flora Jane Harper, first Alaska Native graduates from UAF.

1947

Barbara Washburn becomes the first woman ever to climb Mt. McKinley.

1955

Alaska adopts the "Alaska Flag Song," written by Marie Drake as the official state flag song.

1959

Frances Howard becomes the first woman Alaskan State Trooper.

1960

Blanche McSmith becomes the first black woman to serve in the Alaskan legislature.

1966

Mildred Hanson becomes the first woman to run for Governor of Alaska.

1974

Lolly Medley and Mary Shields become the first women to compete in the Iditarod.

Brenda Itta is elected the first Native woman member of the Alaska State Legislature.

1985

Libby Riddles becomes the first woman ever to win Iditarod.