Often Alaska evokes images of majestic glaciers, towering mountain peaks, and Gold Rush lore. Yet woven throughout the state’s history are rich, often untold stories of Black Americans who ventured north and helped shape Alaskan society. This Black History Month, let us pay tribute to these trailblazers and provide you with resources to dive deeper into their remarkable legacy.
Early Black and African-American Presence in Alaska
The Whaling Era
While modern travelers flock to Alaska’s waters for the thrill of spotting humpbacks and orcas, it’s important to remember that whales once drew a different kind of visitor: whalers. Among those who braved these seas in the 19th and early 20th centuries were Black and African-American whalers—an often overlooked chapter in Alaska’s maritime history (Note: “Black” can refer to people from the broader African diaspora, while “African American” typically refers to individuals with ancestral ties to enslaved Africans in the U.S. Both groups were instrumental in shaping local communities and forging Alaska’s early whaling industry.) According to the National Park Service’s research on “Black History in the Last Frontier: Black Whalers in the North Pacific and Arctic,” these pioneers departed from East Coast ports, journeying thousands of miles to hunt whales in the unforgiving North Pacific and Arctic. They faced not only the raw challenges of Arctic weather and dangerous seas, but also the added adversity of racial inequities. Their grit and determination helped shape Alaska’s economic and cultural heritage, leaving a legacy that underscores how profoundly whales have influenced human endeavors in this region.
The Gold Rush & Frontier Life
From the late 1800s to early 1900s, countless fortune-seekers converged on Alaska and the Yukon in search of gold. Among them were Black prospectors and entrepreneurs, whose determination and grit mirrored that of their fellow “stampeders.” Despite the hardships of extreme climate and discrimination, they played a part in opening up mining camps and establishing businesses—an often-overlooked yet significant piece of Alaskan heritage.
Building the Alaska Highway
One of the most iconic stories of Black history in Alaska revolves around the Alaska-Canada Highway (ALCAN Highway) constructed during World War II (1942–1943). Black regiments of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, such as the 93rd, 95th, and 97th Engineer General Service Regiments, were instrumental in carving out this critical route.
- These soldiers endured harsh subarctic winters, rugged terrain, and systemic discrimination.
- Their achievement—linking Alaska with the Lower 48—transformed the economic and social fabric of the state, creating pathways still used to this day.
For a detailed account, check out “We Fought the Road” by Christine and Dennis McClure. This book vividly illustrates the experiences of the Black engineers, paying homage to their resilience and engineering prowess.
Recommended Reads & Films
Black Lives in Alaska: A History of African Americans in the Far Northwest
By Ian C. Hartman & David Reamer
A comprehensive look at African American life in Alaska—from pioneering days through the 20th century—complete with archival photos and personal narratives.
We Fought the Road
By Christine and Dennis McClure
As mentioned above, this book focuses on the Black soldiers who built the Alaska Highway, highlighting their perseverance under extreme conditions.
National Park Service (Black History in the Last Frontier)
The National Park Service has done an incredible job of cataloging the history of the Black community in Alaska.
Visiting Cultural & Historical Institutions
If your UnCruise Adventures itinerary allows for time ashore—or if you’re planning to explore Alaska before or after your cruise—consider these institutions to learn more about Black Alaskan history:
- The largest museum in the state often hosts exhibits on Alaska’s diverse cultural heritage. While not always exclusively focused on Black history, its archives and rotating collections can provide valuable insights.
Alaska State Library, Archives, & Museum (Juneau)
- Situated in the capital, this institution preserves countless photographs, letters, and official records that offer glimpses into the lives of Black Alaskans—particularly through military and census data.
Z.J. Loussac Library (Anchorage)
- A major public library with extensive historical collections. Librarians can guide you to specialized research materials and local community resources focusing on Black settlers.
- University libraries hold rare documents, oral histories, and photographs spotlighting African American experiences—great for in-depth research or academic study.
African-American Historical Society of Alaska
- Check for events or lectures during Black History Month and beyond. While they don’t have a dedicated museum space, they frequently organize educational programs and historical commemorations.
Enriching Your UnCruise Experience
- Strike Up Conversations: Ask your guides or local hosts about the multicultural threads in Alaskan history. They may offer personal anecdotes or direct you to community members with stories to share.
- Follow the Footsteps: If you venture along the Alaska Highway or walk through historic gold rush towns, pause to remember the Black individuals who once traversed these same paths in search of fortune or a new beginning.
- Attend Local Events: Towns like Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks often hold cultural festivals, lectures, or community gatherings honoring Black history. Check local event calendars for updates.
Preserving the Legacy
By recognizing the contributions of Black Alaskans—be they whalers, soldiers, miners, or community leaders—we gain a richer, more inclusive perspective on the state’s past and present. As you journey with UnCruise Adventures, consider how each fjord, forest, and frontier town echoes with stories of courage and aspiration.
Whether you are admiring Alaska’s raw beauty from the deck of a small ship or venturing onto historic trails, let these narratives deepen your appreciation for the land and the people who helped shape it. Celebrating Black history in Alaska means shining a light on untold stories, fostering connections, and carrying forward a legacy of hope and discovery.
Supporting the Community
While exploring the wonders of Alaska, consider supporting its diverse local economy by seeking out Black-owned businesses. The Alaska Black Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) often maintains up-to-date listings, while NAACP branch directories in Anchorage and Fairbanks can guide you toward community-led initiatives. Additionally, apps like Official Black Wall Street and websites like SupportBlackOwned.com make it easy to locate and patronize a wide variety of Black-owned shops, eateries, and services. By tapping into these resources, you’ll enrich your Alaskan adventure and help foster a more inclusive, thriving small-business scene in the Last Frontier.
May this Black History Month be a reminder that Alaska’s mosaic is created by many hands—and that each story, no matter how hidden, deserves to be told and celebrated. Safe travels and happy exploring!
