The History of the Alaskan Railroad
The history of the railroad system in Alaska dates back to the early 20th century when it was seen as a vital tool for supporting the state’s economy, industry, and communication. The railroad was considered especially important for facilitating resource extraction such as copper and gold mining.
In the early days of Alaska’s railroad system, the terrain was a major obstacle as it involved crossing numerous rivers and glaciers. Despite these challenges, the determination to lay the tracks prevailed, and the railroad system became the lifeblood of the region.
Over time, the railroad system helped transform Alaska from a frozen and isolated icebox to a treasure box of natural resources. The railroad opened up new opportunities for economic growth and development, allowing easier transportation of goods and people across the vast expanse of the state.
Workshop Info
In this professional development course, educators received comprehensive support to engage students in documentary filmmaking. Participants learned how to utilize primary sources from the Library of Congress and incorporated local resources such as Elder interviews, artifacts, photos, and documents. This training equipped teachers with the tools to create enriching, historically grounded educational experiences through the art of documentary filmmaking.
More videos from this workshop:
Alaskan Paths become Alaskan Highways
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The Alaska Native Dance
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Huslia
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Dot to Dot
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A Village Run by Women
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Tlingit and Haida Regalia with the Soboleff Family
Explore the rich heritage of Tlingit and Haida Regalia in this captivating documentary. Delve into the profound historical importance and […]
The History of the Musk Ox Farm
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Crossroads Alaska
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Fairbanks Native Education
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Decolonizing Place Names
Three sixth-grade students from Dillingham Alaska work together to have a local creek’s name changed. In their previous year of […]
Land Acknowledgement
This video was filmed on Dena'ina Land. Learn more about land acknowledgements at native-land.ca.