By Tim Lambert
In 2018 the population of Alaska was 739,000.
c. 13,000 BC
The first human beings arrive in Alaska
1741
Vitus Bering leads an expedition to Alaska
1772
The Russians make a settlement at Unalaska
1784
The Russians settle on Kodiak Island
1867
The USA purchases Alaska from Russia
1878
The first cannery opens in Alaska
1880
Gold is discovered in Juneau
1899
Gold is discovered in Nome
1900
Juneau is incorporated
1903
Fairbanks is incorporated
1912
Alaska becomes a territory
1915
Anchorage is founded
1917
Denali National Park is created
1923
The Alaska Railroad is completed
1935
The University of Alaska is founded
1942
Alaska Highway is built. The Japanese invade the Aleutian Islands.
1943
US troops liberate the Aleutian Islands
1951
Anchorage International Airport opens
1957
Oil is discovered at Swanson River
1964
Alaska is struck by an earthquake
1967
Fairbanks suffers a flood
1968
Oil is discovered on Prudhoe Bay
1977
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline is completed
1989
A tanker called the Exxon Valdez runs aground
