National Register of Historic Places listings in Anchorage, Alaska facts for kids
Anchorage, Alaska, is a city with a rich history. Many of its important buildings and places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This special list helps protect places that are important to American history. It's like a hall of fame for historic sites!
There are 37 places in Anchorage that are currently on this list. These sites tell us stories about how Anchorage grew. They show us what life was like for the people who built this city. From old homes to power plants, each site has a unique past.
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Historic Buildings in Anchorage
Anchorage has many old buildings that are still standing today. These buildings show us how people lived and worked long ago. They are like time capsules, preserving the past for us to explore.
Early Homes and Cottages
Some of the oldest homes in Anchorage are on the historic register. These include small cottages built by the Alaska Engineering Commission. This group helped build the Alaska Railroad.
Alaska Engineering Commission Cottages
- A.E.C. Cottage No. 23 and Alaska Engineering Commission Cottage No. 25 are two examples. They are located on Christensen Drive and West Third Avenue. These cottages were built around 1915-1920. They housed the engineers who were building the railroad.
- Oscar Anderson House: This house on M Street was built in 1915. It belonged to Oscar Anderson, an early settler of Anchorage. He was the first person to fly a plane from New York to Nome, Alaska. Today, it is a museum where you can see how people lived in the early days.
- Leopold David House: Located on West Second Avenue, this house was built in 1916. Leopold David was the first mayor of Anchorage. His home is a great example of early Anchorage architecture.
- Oscar Gill House: This house was built in 1913. It was moved from its original spot to West Tenth Avenue around 1983. It is another example of an early Anchorage home.
Important Public Buildings
Many public buildings in Anchorage also have a place in history. These buildings were centers of community life. They helped the city grow and function.
Anchorage City Hall
The Old Anchorage City Hall on West Fourth Avenue was built in 1936. This building served as the city's main government office for many years. It saw many important decisions made for Anchorage.
Anchorage Depot
The Anchorage Depot is the city's main train station. It is located on West First Avenue. This station has been a key part of Anchorage's transportation since 1917. It connected the city to other parts of Alaska.
Federal Building-U.S. Courthouse
The Federal Building-U.S. Courthouse on West Fourth Avenue was built in 1939. It served as a federal office and courthouse. This building played a big role in the legal and administrative life of early Anchorage.
Fourth Avenue Theatre
The Fourth Avenue Theatre on West Fourth Avenue is a famous landmark. It was built in 1947. This theater was known for its beautiful design and was a popular spot for movies and shows.
Pioneer School House
The Pioneer School House on East 3rd Avenue was built in 1915. It was one of the first schools in Anchorage. This building helped educate the children of the early settlers.
Other Notable Buildings
- Anchorage Hotel Annex: This building on E Street was an important part of the Anchorage Hotel. It provided lodging for visitors and residents.
- Kimball's Store: Located on West Fifth Avenue, Kimball's Store was an early business. It was a place where people could buy goods and supplies.
- McKinley Tower Apartments: These apartments on East Fourth Avenue were built in 1951. They were one of the first tall apartment buildings in Anchorage.
- Wendler Building: This building on D Street was moved from its original spot around 1985. It is another example of early commercial architecture in Anchorage.
Historic Sites and Districts
Beyond individual buildings, the National Register also lists larger areas or unique sites. These places tell us about different aspects of Anchorage's past.
Anchorage Memorial Park
The Anchorage Memorial Park on East Ninth Avenue is the city's historic cemetery. It was listed in 1993. This park is a quiet place that tells the story of many early Anchorage residents.
Eklutna Village Sites
The village of Eklutna, near Anchorage, has important historic sites. These sites are connected to the native Dena'ina people.
Mike Alex Cabin
The Mike Alex Cabin is located off Alaska Route 1 in Eklutna. This cabin is a historic structure that shows traditional living in the area.
Old St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church
The Old St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church is in Eklutna Village. It was built in 1894. This church is a very important spiritual and cultural site for the Dena'ina people. It shows the influence of Russian culture in Alaska.
Industrial and Military History
Anchorage's history also includes important industrial and military sites. These places show how people worked and defended the area.
Crow Creek Gold Mining Company
The Crow Creek Consolidated Gold Mining Company is near Girdwood. It was a gold mining operation. This site shows the importance of gold mining in Alaska's development.
Eklutna Power Plant
The Eklutna Power Plant was Anchorage's first hydroelectric plant. It was built in 1929. This plant provided electricity to the growing city.
Site Summit
Site Summit is located east of central Anchorage. It was a Cold War-era military site. It played a role in the defense of Alaska during that time.
Fort Richardson National Cemetery
The Fort Richardson National Cemetery is located at Fort Richardson. It is a resting place for military veterans. It honors those who served our country.
Historic Aircraft
Two historic aircraft are also listed on the National Register in Anchorage. They represent important moments in aviation history.
Pilgrim 100B Aircraft
The Pilgrim 100B Aircraft is located at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum. This plane was important for early flights in Alaska. It helped connect remote communities.
Temnac P-38G Lightning
The Temnac P-38G Lightning is a World War II fighter plane. It is located at Elmendorf Air Force Base. This plane was recovered from Attu Island and restored. It reminds us of Alaska's role in World War II.
Former Listing
Sometimes, a place is removed from the National Register. This can happen if it is destroyed or loses its historic importance.
Lathrop Building
The Lathrop Building on West 4th Avenue was once listed. It was removed from the register in 1987.
Images for kids
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Alaska Engineering Commission Cottage No. 23
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Alaska Engineering Commission Cottage No. 25
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Beluga Point Site
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Atwood Campus Center
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Civil Works Residential Dwellings
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KENI Radio Building
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McKinley Tower Apartments
