The Alaska Range, a prominent mountain range in Alaska, USA, has a rich history of exploration and naming that dates back to the 19th century. Known for its challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions, the range has attracted explorers and adventurers seeking to uncover its secrets. This article explores the historical journey of the Alaska Range, from its initial naming to the expeditions that traversed its rugged landscape.
Naming the Alaska Range
The name "Alaskan
Range" was first applied to these mountains in 1869 by naturalist W. H. Dall. Over time, local usage transformed the name into "Alaska Range." Prior to this, in 1849, Constantin Grewingk applied the name "Tschigmit" to the mountain range. A map made by the United States General Land Office in 1869 referred to the southwestern part of the Alaska Range as the "Chigmit Mountains" and the northeastern part as the "Beaver Mountains." However, the Chigmit Mountains are now considered part of the Aleutian Range.
Early Expeditions
Starting in the mid-1880s to early 1900s, early non-native explorers began traversing various sections of the Alaska Range. The first recorded expedition was in the Eastern Alaska Range, led by H. T. Allen in 1885. His team journeyed from Suslota Lake to Tetlin Lake and onto the Tanana River via Miles Pass. Allen noted the potential for building a road from Prince William Sound to the Yukon River, highlighting the range's strategic importance.
Six years later, Frederick Schwatka and Charles W. Hayes crossed the extreme eastern end of the range via the White River and into the Copper River basin through Skolai Pass, in what is now called the Saint Elias Mountains. In 1898, W. C. Mendenhall and E. F. Glenn traversed Isabel Pass and were within 15-20 miles of the Tanana River before turning around.
Continued Exploration
In 1898, Robert Muldrow and George Homans Eldridge crossed Broad Pass and then Windy Pass into the Nenana River valley. These expeditions laid the groundwork for future exploration and development in the region, contributing to the understanding of the Alaska Range's geography and potential.
The historical exploration of the Alaska Range is a testament to human curiosity and the desire to conquer the unknown. The range's challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions have tested the limits of explorers, yet it continues to inspire adventurers to this day. The legacy of these early expeditions remains an integral part of the Alaska Range's history, shaping its identity as a symbol of exploration and discovery.
