Guide Note
Located along Cook Inlet, Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska with nearly half of the state's population.1
Fast Facts
- Country: United States
- State: Alaska
- Mayor: Mark Begich
- City population: 278,7002 (2006)
- Incorporated: 19203
- Currency: U.S. Dollar
- Area code: 907
- Time zone: AKST
- No sales tax1
- 4-time All-America City Award-winner4
History
When construction of the Alaska Railroad was approved by President Woodrow Wilson in 1915, a "tent city" at Ship Creek was established as the headquarters. The city, named Anchorage, grew in population and was incorporated in 1920.5
With the openings of Merrill Field, Elmendorf Field Air Force Base and Fort Richardson, the city became a vital military site through the first and second World Wars.3
In 1964, the Good Friday Earthquake hit Anchorage, resulting in millions of dollars in damages. The city was rebuilt in the mid-1960s, and further expanded when oil was found in Prudhoe Bay in northern Alaska.5
The governments of the City of Anchorage and the Greater Anchorage Area Borough merged to become the Municipality of Anchorage in 1975.3
Mahalo Suggests
If planning a trip, please see Anchorage Vacation, Anchorage Hotels, Anchorage Restaurants and Anchorage Tours.
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