Module VI - Introduction: Transportation and Communication

No matter where you are, we're glad you're here!



Essential Questions

• 

  Alaska Railroad   googleimages.com

  Alaska's infrastructure of transportation and communication systems - what is the cause-effect relationships to settlement patterns and to the development of the Alaska economy?
• What have been the impacts on traditional Native cultures and on the environment?
• What are issues facing Alaskans today related to transportation and communication?

ENGAGE

Steamship "Alaska" of AK Steamship Company
ca. 1920  VILDA AMRC-b64-1-185

Chicken or the Egg?

As can be imagined, the issue of economic development is absolutely linked to the issue of transportation and communication. But, does the discovery of a mineral resource prompt the development of a transportation corridor?  

Or, does the use of a traditional trade route lead to the discovery of the mineral resource?  Or, is it both? 

Communications Center-North Slope
1974  VILDA AMRC-b90-14-3-6

What was the state of transportation and communication systems in Alaska at the time of the 1867  purchase? What happened when aspiring miners, fishers, traders, and trappers descended on Alaska in the late 1800's? What is the situation today in this largest of all states? How do we get around and communicate with each other and with the world outside Alaska?




Trains and Boats and Planes

AK Comm. Co. Sternwheeler  
"Sarah" Near Fort Egbert 1900
VILDA  ASL-P245-74

Alaska - what are its transportation issues? It comprises 586,412 sq. miles or about 365 million acres.  It has major navigable rivers, such as the Yukon, Kuskokwim, and Tanana as well as others navigable only during certain water conditions (and literally thousands of tributary rives and streams). 

There are nearly 34,000 miles of coastline. Many communities are on islands.  Climate issues complicate all transportation considerations, as does the terrain and soil/ground conditions (think permafrost!)  

Major Roads in Alaska  fairbanks-alaska.com

Notice on the map that the roads in Alaska are centered in the central and east areas of Alaska. Why? How do Alaskans in northern, western, much of the Interior, and Southeast Alaska get around and get what they need to live?  How dependent are Alaskans on the various modes of transportation?  What would the interruption of any of these mean for life on the last frontier?

Gov. George Parks at Willow Creek
Richardson Highway 1928
VILDA ASL-P240-082

This module will examine the history of transportation and communication systems in Alaska. Each page provides ample opportunity to identify links to sectors of the Alaska economy.

Be attentive to the development of transportation and communication systems in your particular region of Alaska. And as you travel throughout Alaska, consider a visit to the Museum of Transportation and Industry, located in Wasilla, AK.

Making Timely Connections

Alaska Airlines plane alaskasworld.com

You will find many maps and photos in this module.   Pay close attention to these.  Read the captions.  Look for details.  Look for connections.

If a location is named for which you are unfamiliar, it just takes a few seconds to find it in Google Earth. The most remote locations are just a click away. Besides, it's fun to Explore Alaska! 

Crowley Marine Tug "Hunter" Towing a Container Ship
crowley.com

Continue to build your list of cause-effect relationships, and be sure to note the time and place of each, and double-check the historical accuracy of your linkages.

What's Next? 

Let's explore some of Alaska's aquatic transportation systems: Ocean and River