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Prince of Wales Island
Juan Perez is ordered by Spain to explore the west coast and discovers Prince of Wales Island, Dixon Sound. -
First permanent non-native settlement
Grigorii Shelikhov establishes the first permanent non-Native settlement at Three Saints Bay, Kodiak. -
Limited monopoly of furs
Catherine II grants a limited monopoly of furs in Alaska to Grigorii Shelikov. -
Orthodox Church
The first Russian Orthodox Church is established at Kodiak. -
Exploration of mainland Alaska
Russians begin exploration of mainland Alaska that leads to discovery of the Nushagak, Kuskokwim, Yukon, and Koyukuk Rivers. -
Use of native languages in liturgy
Russian Orthodox diocese formed. Bishop Innokenty Venianminov given permission to use Native languages in the liturgy. -
Sale of Alaska Negotiation
De Stoeckl returns to U.S. from St. Petersburg with authority to negotiate the sale of Alaska. -
Discovery of gold in the land
Gold discovered on the Stikine River near Telegraph Creek. -
US purchases Alaska from Russia
Pribilof Islands placed under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Treasury. Fur seal population which was stable under Russian rule, declines rapidly. -
The first commercial herring fishery
The first commercial herring fishery begins at Killisnoo; near Angoon and the first two canneries are built in Central Alaska. The U.S. Navy bombs and burns the Tlingit village of Angoon. -
Indian children education
Congress passes the Organic Act, allowing the first local government, and $15,000 is appropriated to educate Indian children. -
General agent for education
Dr. C.H. Townsend suggests the introduction of reindeer into Alaska. Sheldon Jackson appointed General Agent for Education in Alaska. -
Anchorage
Anchorage organizes city government. -
Public School
Court case resolves the right of Native children to attend public school. -
We're in!
Statehood proclaimed; state constitution in effect; Sitka pulp mill opens; U.S. Court of Claims issues judgment favoring Tlingit and Haida claims to Southeast Alaska lands. -
Unemployment rate
The unemployment rate is at a record low at 5.8%; the moose is adopted as Alaska's official state land mammal; in May, an estimated 4,000 people marched in Anchorage to show solidarity and to bring attention to Native Rights issues.