Northern Exposure – Frontier Alaska (DRAKE HALL)
OSHR 6130Alaska’s history spans over 12,000 years, beginning with human migration from Asia into North America. These early settlers, divided into tribes and clans, brought distinct customs and languages to the region. Russian colonization efforts were thwarted by the Tlingit, and in 1868, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia, expanding the nation's territory by over half a million square miles.
The Klondike Gold Rush of 1896-1899 left a lasting impact on both the Canadian northwest and Alaskan coastal towns, as prospectors flooded in, trails were forged, and railroads were built. During World War II, the construction of the Alcan Highway in just a year was a direct response to the Japanese invasion of the Aleutian Islands, where the battle of Attu marked the recapture of lost territory.
Alaska saw another boom in 1977 with the completion of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Today, it continues to draw visitors to its natural wonders, from Denali National Park to the state’s majestic glaciers. Each town across Alaska is rich with its own unique history, waiting to be discovered.
Kenneth Jessen is a seasoned traveler with extensive experience visiting Alaskan coastal locations, including Nome, and exploring the state's interior. With over 1,000 days spent at sea, Jessen brings a wealth of knowledge to his Osher classes, which he has been teaching since 2014. A prolific author, he has written 23 books and over 2,300 articles, including a long-running weekly history column.
As an in-demand speaker, Jessen has given presentations at venues such as the Fort Collins Senior Center, Loveland Chilson Center, Berthoud Community Center, Westerners, and various historical societies. His deep involvement in historical preservation includes being a lifetime member of the Colorado Railroad Museum, an active member of the Rocky Mountain Railroad Club, and serving on advisory boards for over 15 years.
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