1 00:00:02,211 --> 00:00:07,039 Narrator: This is the story of the making of modern alaska, 2 00:00:07,049 --> 00:00:10,175 Seen in color for the first time. 3 00:00:14,715 --> 00:00:17,891 In america's last great wilderness, 4 00:00:17,968 --> 00:00:21,636 The gold rush launches this remote territory 5 00:00:21,647 --> 00:00:23,221 On an incredible journey. 6 00:00:23,232 --> 00:00:28,235 ♪ 7 00:00:28,312 --> 00:00:31,980 Opportunity attracts pioneers... 8 00:00:31,991 --> 00:00:35,817 And later, those rocked by the depression. 9 00:00:35,828 --> 00:00:37,244 I'm sure we'll make a go of it 10 00:00:37,321 --> 00:00:40,831 Because my husband's the kind that can. 11 00:00:40,908 --> 00:00:45,994 Narrator: Long summer days yield remarkable harvests, 12 00:00:46,005 --> 00:00:49,381 While the rugged landscape draws wealthy tourists. 13 00:00:51,677 --> 00:00:56,004 But only the bold survive its extremes. 14 00:00:56,015 --> 00:00:57,598 Newsreel announcer: The army wages a war 15 00:00:57,674 --> 00:00:59,850 Against nature and the elements. 16 00:00:59,927 --> 00:01:02,102 Narrator: In world war two, alaska becomes 17 00:01:02,179 --> 00:01:07,107 The only north american soil to be invaded. 18 00:01:07,184 --> 00:01:09,943 In less than a century alaska goes 19 00:01:10,020 --> 00:01:14,773 From the edge of the world to the 49th state. 20 00:01:14,784 --> 00:01:18,952 This is the story of america's last frontier, 21 00:01:19,029 --> 00:01:21,530 As you have never seen it before. 22 00:01:21,540 --> 00:01:23,582 ♪ 23 00:01:27,538 --> 00:01:30,547 [indistinct shouting] 24 00:01:34,044 --> 00:01:35,710 John kennedy: I want us to recapture that... 25 00:01:35,721 --> 00:01:44,061 ♪ 26 00:01:47,817 --> 00:01:49,983 Narrator: As the 20th century dawns, 27 00:01:50,060 --> 00:01:52,227 Most americans think of alaska 28 00:01:52,238 --> 00:01:55,313 As an icy, unpopulated wilderness. 29 00:01:55,324 --> 00:01:56,198 [growling] 30 00:01:57,743 --> 00:02:02,913 A land mass one fifth the size of the lower 48 states. 31 00:02:02,990 --> 00:02:06,583 It's vast enough to stretch all the way across mainland america. 32 00:02:08,412 --> 00:02:09,837 [dogs howling] 33 00:02:09,913 --> 00:02:12,914 Bought from russia in 1867, 34 00:02:12,925 --> 00:02:16,593 Alaska boasts a vibrant but brutal landscape, 35 00:02:16,670 --> 00:02:19,921 With a climate to match. 36 00:02:19,932 --> 00:02:24,059 Freezing long winters where temperatures can reach minus 70. 37 00:02:28,348 --> 00:02:31,859 And short summers where the sun never sets. 38 00:02:33,020 --> 00:02:37,772 It is america's last frontier. 39 00:02:37,783 --> 00:02:41,618 But one single event puts alaska on the map. 40 00:02:44,957 --> 00:02:49,618 In 1896 prospectors find gold in the klondike, 41 00:02:49,628 --> 00:02:52,871 A canadian district near the alaskan border. 42 00:02:52,882 --> 00:02:57,718 Getting there means sailing north from seattle, 43 00:02:57,794 --> 00:03:01,129 Where gold fever attracts thousands of dreamers 44 00:03:01,140 --> 00:03:05,976 And the cameras of movie pioneer thomas edison. 45 00:03:06,053 --> 00:03:09,146 Local outfitters make a killing, 46 00:03:09,223 --> 00:03:13,483 As all supplies have to be taken with you, even horses. 47 00:03:16,980 --> 00:03:18,813 [horn blows] 48 00:03:18,824 --> 00:03:22,159 The steamship queen is among the first to cast off, 49 00:03:22,236 --> 00:03:24,653 Overflowing with prospectors. 50 00:03:24,663 --> 00:03:30,909 ♪ 51 00:03:30,920 --> 00:03:34,746 In time, 100,000 will head to alaska, 52 00:03:34,757 --> 00:03:37,549 Most through the makeshift port of skagway. 53 00:03:40,012 --> 00:03:44,014 From here it's still 350 miles inland to the klondike. 54 00:03:49,263 --> 00:03:53,023 Edison captures the first ever moving images of alaska. 55 00:03:55,778 --> 00:03:58,612 The trek to the goldfields takes three months... 56 00:04:02,025 --> 00:04:04,326 Through the region's toughest terrain. 57 00:04:09,032 --> 00:04:13,618 Only 30,000 make it to stake their claim... 58 00:04:13,629 --> 00:04:18,006 And start panning for riches as they process tons of dirt. 59 00:04:20,210 --> 00:04:21,885 Over the next three years 60 00:04:21,962 --> 00:04:25,389 The klondike yields 75 tons of gold. 61 00:04:28,302 --> 00:04:31,228 But only a few make their fortune. 62 00:04:31,305 --> 00:04:34,564 Most return home empty-handed. 63 00:04:39,980 --> 00:04:43,732 As the gold rush fades, many towns die out, 64 00:04:43,742 --> 00:04:45,826 But not skagway. 65 00:04:45,902 --> 00:04:49,830 Alaska still offers riches for the tough and self-reliant. 66 00:04:54,169 --> 00:04:58,079 In 1914, whalers aboard the herman 67 00:04:58,090 --> 00:05:01,675 Make a profitable trip working the waters off alaska. 68 00:05:05,514 --> 00:05:09,850 Smoke billows as crewmen render whale blubber into oil. 69 00:05:13,347 --> 00:05:16,440 Whalebone also holds great value. 70 00:05:18,777 --> 00:05:21,770 Once clean, it goes into domestic products 71 00:05:21,780 --> 00:05:25,073 From hairbrushes to corsets. 72 00:05:27,110 --> 00:05:31,455 On this voyage the herman collects five tons of it. 73 00:05:33,709 --> 00:05:37,118 Wearing fur on the left, captain theodore pedersen 74 00:05:37,129 --> 00:05:40,255 Trades pelts with alaskan native hunters. 75 00:05:45,212 --> 00:05:48,972 The furs that keep people alive in alaska... 76 00:05:49,049 --> 00:05:54,061 Bring premium prices from american fashionistas. 77 00:05:54,137 --> 00:05:58,982 In this barter economy, arctic fox pelts buy rifles. 78 00:06:01,653 --> 00:06:03,653 [dogs barking] 79 00:06:03,730 --> 00:06:07,148 The extraordinary lives of alaska's natives are caught 80 00:06:07,159 --> 00:06:11,995 In this extremely rare smithsonian institution footage. 81 00:06:12,072 --> 00:06:15,740 In 1912, explorer william van valin 82 00:06:15,751 --> 00:06:17,909 Begins traveling to point barrow, 83 00:06:17,920 --> 00:06:19,994 In alaska's far north, 84 00:06:20,005 --> 00:06:22,756 To document life among the inupiat, 85 00:06:22,833 --> 00:06:26,843 One of the seven major native groups that inhabit alaska. 86 00:06:28,422 --> 00:06:31,515 [laughing] 87 00:06:31,591 --> 00:06:35,593 The united states deems the 25,000 that live here 88 00:06:35,604 --> 00:06:41,015 As non-citizens, with no corresponding rights. 89 00:06:41,026 --> 00:06:44,269 The region has been populated for thousands of years... 90 00:06:44,279 --> 00:06:46,187 And alaskan natives have developed 91 00:06:46,198 --> 00:06:49,190 An ability to survive here... 92 00:06:49,201 --> 00:06:52,694 By kayaking... 93 00:06:52,704 --> 00:06:54,863 Fishing... 94 00:06:54,873 --> 00:06:55,956 Hunting... 95 00:07:01,046 --> 00:07:03,713 And more recently, caribou herding. 96 00:07:03,790 --> 00:07:05,874 ♪ 97 00:07:05,884 --> 00:07:08,260 [squealing] 98 00:07:09,721 --> 00:07:12,222 Surrounded by flags of the few whaling nations 99 00:07:12,299 --> 00:07:14,224 That have traded this far north, 100 00:07:14,301 --> 00:07:16,977 Van valin films the extraordinary technique 101 00:07:17,053 --> 00:07:20,814 Of the blanket toss. 102 00:07:20,891 --> 00:07:24,568 In this low-lying land, hurling a person aloft 103 00:07:24,644 --> 00:07:27,988 Is the most effective way of spotting a whale at sea. 104 00:07:31,160 --> 00:07:32,993 Once a whale is caught, 105 00:07:33,069 --> 00:07:34,744 Traditionally a messenger 106 00:07:34,821 --> 00:07:37,155 Runs back to within eyeshot of the village 107 00:07:37,166 --> 00:07:39,916 And signals with a two-footed high kick 108 00:07:39,993 --> 00:07:43,828 For everyone to come and help haul the giant mammal ashore. 109 00:07:43,839 --> 00:07:57,184 ♪ 110 00:07:57,260 --> 00:08:06,851 ♪ 111 00:08:06,862 --> 00:08:09,613 None of the whale goes to waste. 112 00:08:09,689 --> 00:08:15,702 ♪ 113 00:08:22,786 --> 00:08:24,285 At point barrow, 114 00:08:24,296 --> 00:08:27,797 Van valin visits a native burial ground. 115 00:08:27,874 --> 00:08:33,127 The soil here is permafrost, impossible to dig. 116 00:08:33,138 --> 00:08:36,139 Inupiat dead, wrapped in skins, 117 00:08:36,216 --> 00:08:40,727 Are left to decompose aboveground. 118 00:08:40,804 --> 00:08:43,813 But alaskan native life is changing forever 119 00:08:43,890 --> 00:08:47,234 With the influx of americans from the lower 48. 120 00:08:47,310 --> 00:08:57,151 ♪ 121 00:08:57,162 --> 00:09:00,822 In 1918, filmmaker burton holmes 122 00:09:00,832 --> 00:09:04,459 Documents life for the residents of post-gold rush skagway. 123 00:09:07,914 --> 00:09:09,998 July 4th celebrations 124 00:09:10,008 --> 00:09:12,759 Show american traditions are here to stay. 125 00:09:12,836 --> 00:09:18,598 ♪ 126 00:09:18,675 --> 00:09:21,601 One of the draws are the long summer days 127 00:09:21,678 --> 00:09:24,354 Where there are up to 19 hours of sunlight. 128 00:09:30,112 --> 00:09:33,029 And the eccentric ways of getting around, 129 00:09:33,106 --> 00:09:35,073 Like dog-driven taxis. 130 00:09:39,204 --> 00:09:42,747 Many here have experienced the gold rush firsthand. 131 00:09:45,785 --> 00:09:48,878 Harriet pullen came here in 1897, 132 00:09:48,955 --> 00:09:52,215 One of the few women to make the journey. 133 00:09:52,292 --> 00:09:53,958 A skilled rider, 134 00:09:53,969 --> 00:09:58,054 She made a fortune hauling goods to the klondike. 135 00:09:58,131 --> 00:10:03,893 When the rush ebbed, she opened the pullen house hotel... 136 00:10:03,970 --> 00:10:05,895 Serving homegrown berries 137 00:10:05,972 --> 00:10:08,898 And lurid tales of her gold rush days. 138 00:10:12,070 --> 00:10:16,656 The pullen becomes the place to stay in skagway. 139 00:10:19,328 --> 00:10:22,829 [horn blows] 140 00:10:22,906 --> 00:10:26,240 Moving around alaska is no easy feat. 141 00:10:26,251 --> 00:10:29,461 Pretty much the only way to travel is by water. 142 00:10:31,331 --> 00:10:32,914 [whistle blows] 143 00:10:32,924 --> 00:10:34,674 Skagway has gotten rich 144 00:10:34,751 --> 00:10:36,918 Because one of alaska's few railroads 145 00:10:36,928 --> 00:10:41,756 Literally runs right down main street... 146 00:10:41,767 --> 00:10:44,768 Bringing in iron, tin and copper 147 00:10:44,844 --> 00:10:48,063 From mines that dot the nearby yukon territory. 148 00:10:52,852 --> 00:10:58,189 But for the inland mining town of fairbanks, times are hard. 149 00:10:58,200 --> 00:10:59,949 It's a coal mining region, 150 00:11:00,026 --> 00:11:04,287 And the nearest port is over 450 miles away. 151 00:11:04,364 --> 00:11:06,122 It needs a railroad, 152 00:11:06,199 --> 00:11:10,618 But entrepreneurs tried and failed to run a line. 153 00:11:10,629 --> 00:11:12,787 The territorial government can't afford to cover 154 00:11:12,798 --> 00:11:16,290 The cost of the railroad: $35 million. 155 00:11:16,301 --> 00:11:20,303 So officials lobby washington 3,000 miles away. 156 00:11:20,380 --> 00:11:21,879 [howling] 157 00:11:21,890 --> 00:11:23,056 [barking] 158 00:11:25,310 --> 00:11:29,187 In 1914, congress greenlights the project. 159 00:11:32,651 --> 00:11:35,727 At ship creek, a tent city rises 160 00:11:35,737 --> 00:11:39,981 To house crews of american immigrant railroad workers. 161 00:11:39,991 --> 00:11:42,659 Renamed anchorage for its harbor, 162 00:11:42,736 --> 00:11:47,706 The town grows to be alaska's largest city, and still is. 163 00:11:51,002 --> 00:11:54,921 Rare early footage shows a steam-driven track layer 164 00:11:54,998 --> 00:11:57,498 Bulling through the harsh terrain. 165 00:11:57,509 --> 00:12:03,763 ♪ 166 00:12:03,840 --> 00:12:08,009 It takes nearly nine years to finish. 167 00:12:08,019 --> 00:12:10,928 For alaska's 55,000 inhabitants, 168 00:12:10,939 --> 00:12:14,274 The alaska railroad marks a turning point... 169 00:12:14,350 --> 00:12:16,934 The opening of the region's wonders 170 00:12:16,945 --> 00:12:18,695 To the lower 48. 171 00:12:20,782 --> 00:12:23,950 [cheering] 172 00:12:24,027 --> 00:12:25,869 In 1923 173 00:12:25,945 --> 00:12:29,873 President warren g. Harding and first lady florence 174 00:12:29,949 --> 00:12:32,000 Are on their way to alaska. 175 00:12:34,963 --> 00:12:37,955 The only surviving footage shows the president 176 00:12:37,966 --> 00:12:42,710 Being received with great pomp and ceremony. 177 00:12:42,721 --> 00:12:47,882 But once he gets to alaska, everything is far more relaxed. 178 00:12:47,893 --> 00:12:51,227 He's here to open the brand new alaska railroad. 179 00:12:54,974 --> 00:13:00,528 Starting in seward, they set off on the 470-mile journey north. 180 00:13:05,068 --> 00:13:08,736 For part of the journey the entourage ride the rails 181 00:13:08,747 --> 00:13:11,581 In a specially converted dodge roadster 182 00:13:11,658 --> 00:13:12,832 To get a better view. 183 00:13:27,090 --> 00:13:28,306 [whistle blows] 184 00:13:33,930 --> 00:13:38,024 On July 15th president harding is presented with a spike 185 00:13:38,101 --> 00:13:43,196 Made out of alaskan gold. 186 00:13:43,273 --> 00:13:46,908 It requires multiple whacks to hammer the spike home. 187 00:13:50,038 --> 00:13:52,872 Now the railroad is officially complete. 188 00:13:52,949 --> 00:13:54,999 [applause] 189 00:13:59,631 --> 00:14:01,047 [whistle blows] 190 00:14:04,961 --> 00:14:09,222 In the 1920s alaska's gold boom is over, 191 00:14:09,299 --> 00:14:12,475 But its frontier way of life still thrives. 192 00:14:12,552 --> 00:14:17,972 ♪ 193 00:14:17,983 --> 00:14:20,900 Its tales of adventure and eccentricity 194 00:14:20,977 --> 00:14:24,896 Attract the movie business. 195 00:14:24,906 --> 00:14:29,576 Austin "cap" lathrop is alaska's first homegrown millionaire. 196 00:14:32,747 --> 00:14:36,165 He wants to turn the alaskan myth into movies. 197 00:14:41,756 --> 00:14:45,842 In 1923, he produces "the cheechakos," 198 00:14:45,919 --> 00:14:50,013 A feature set in gold rush days... 199 00:14:50,089 --> 00:14:51,848 Shot in and around anchorage... 200 00:14:51,925 --> 00:14:53,424 [screaming] 201 00:14:53,435 --> 00:14:57,929 ♪ 202 00:14:57,939 --> 00:15:03,276 Incorporating crude special effects. 203 00:15:03,353 --> 00:15:07,113 [screaming] 204 00:15:07,190 --> 00:15:11,025 In the lower 48, "the cheechakos" draws yawns. 205 00:15:11,036 --> 00:15:12,952 Woman: Help! Help! 206 00:15:13,029 --> 00:15:14,612 Narrator: But in hollywood, 207 00:15:14,623 --> 00:15:18,291 Yesterday's flop can be tomorrow's hit. 208 00:15:21,129 --> 00:15:24,964 In 1924 silent movie star charlie chaplin 209 00:15:25,041 --> 00:15:28,459 Directs and stars in "the gold rush." 210 00:15:28,470 --> 00:15:36,643 ♪ 211 00:15:36,719 --> 00:15:39,720 His trademark character, the little tramp, 212 00:15:39,731 --> 00:15:42,807 Tromps the klondike... 213 00:15:42,817 --> 00:15:44,734 Encountering wildlife... 214 00:15:47,155 --> 00:15:51,950 And hard times when he cooks and eats his boots. 215 00:15:55,154 --> 00:15:58,081 "the gold rush" is a box-office smash, 216 00:15:58,157 --> 00:16:02,168 Taking in what today would be $60 million. 217 00:16:04,914 --> 00:16:07,832 Ironically, chaplin shot the whole production 218 00:16:07,842 --> 00:16:11,678 In northern california. 219 00:16:11,754 --> 00:16:15,890 He declares it's the film he'd most like to be remembered for. 220 00:16:18,344 --> 00:16:19,852 [horse whinnies] 221 00:16:20,939 --> 00:16:23,597 [dogs barking] 222 00:16:23,608 --> 00:16:27,610 In January 1925, one alaskan adventurer 223 00:16:27,687 --> 00:16:30,938 Is about to create a new legend. 224 00:16:30,949 --> 00:16:35,201 Norwegian immigrant leonhard seppala. 225 00:16:35,278 --> 00:16:37,945 He arrived here during the gold rush, 226 00:16:37,956 --> 00:16:39,372 Settling in nome, 227 00:16:39,449 --> 00:16:43,701 One of the territory's most remote cities. 228 00:16:43,712 --> 00:16:45,870 And soon found his calling in life-- 229 00:16:45,880 --> 00:16:47,788 Dog mushing-- 230 00:16:47,799 --> 00:16:51,134 A mode of transportation alaskan natives have used 231 00:16:51,210 --> 00:16:53,044 For a thousand years. 232 00:16:53,054 --> 00:16:55,046 But seppala perfects it 233 00:16:55,056 --> 00:16:58,632 By being the first to use siberian huskies... 234 00:16:58,643 --> 00:17:03,220 Who prove to be the perfect breed for the job. 235 00:17:03,231 --> 00:17:05,890 But it's a disaster in nome 236 00:17:05,900 --> 00:17:09,235 That vaults seppala to national fame. 237 00:17:09,312 --> 00:17:12,238 During the harshest winter for 20 years, 238 00:17:12,315 --> 00:17:16,067 An outbreak of diphtheria threatens the city. 239 00:17:16,077 --> 00:17:22,832 The serum which will cure it is over 600 miles away in nenana. 240 00:17:22,909 --> 00:17:27,837 The only means of getting the serum to nome is by sled. 241 00:17:27,914 --> 00:17:32,666 Seppala sets up relay teams of mushers and dogs. 242 00:17:32,677 --> 00:17:35,836 He himself takes the toughest leg, 243 00:17:35,847 --> 00:17:38,765 A 90-mile ordeal. 244 00:17:38,841 --> 00:17:41,809 The journey takes five grueling days. 245 00:17:47,025 --> 00:17:51,861 Balto is the leading dog into nome on February 2nd... 246 00:17:51,938 --> 00:17:54,197 An event recreated for the cameras 247 00:17:54,273 --> 00:17:58,692 On the very same streets. 248 00:17:58,703 --> 00:18:01,278 The serum saves 2,000 townspeople 249 00:18:01,289 --> 00:18:02,872 From catastrophe. 250 00:18:06,211 --> 00:18:09,962 Now a national hero, seppala and his huskies 251 00:18:10,039 --> 00:18:13,716 Tour america on his adapted sled. 252 00:18:13,793 --> 00:18:17,095 Crowds in nassau, new york, can't get close enough. 253 00:18:21,726 --> 00:18:25,978 And balto is in new york for the unveiling of his statue... 254 00:18:26,055 --> 00:18:28,222 [cheering] 255 00:18:28,233 --> 00:18:31,609 That's still a popular spot in central park. 256 00:18:33,905 --> 00:18:36,313 [horn blows] 257 00:18:36,324 --> 00:18:39,158 Drawn by its larger-than-life reputation, 258 00:18:39,235 --> 00:18:44,747 More than 20,000 tourists a year visit alaska in the '20s. 259 00:18:44,824 --> 00:18:48,075 Announcer: One scarcely expects to find a heatwave in alaska. 260 00:18:48,086 --> 00:18:51,912 But the hardy residents go ice bathing in thunder bay. 261 00:18:51,923 --> 00:18:54,999 It's not compulsory. They enjoy it! 262 00:18:55,009 --> 00:18:57,084 Narrator: The distance and time involved 263 00:18:57,095 --> 00:19:00,555 Ensure that those visitors are well off. 264 00:19:05,687 --> 00:19:07,678 Among these privileged few 265 00:19:07,689 --> 00:19:12,191 Is an amateur filmmaker from philadelphia and his family. 266 00:19:12,268 --> 00:19:15,936 Ellwood hoffman, age 50, is a businessman 267 00:19:15,947 --> 00:19:18,781 Who made his fortune in silk stockings. 268 00:19:21,619 --> 00:19:25,746 In 1930, he records how wealthy americans travel. 269 00:19:29,285 --> 00:19:32,703 The hoffmans book a luxury trip to skagway 270 00:19:32,714 --> 00:19:36,040 Aboard an alaska steamship company cruise liner, 271 00:19:36,050 --> 00:19:38,968 The alameda. 272 00:19:39,045 --> 00:19:41,721 Passengers pass the voyage with distractions 273 00:19:41,797 --> 00:19:44,265 Like egg-and-spoon races... 274 00:19:46,969 --> 00:19:49,145 [laughter] 275 00:19:49,222 --> 00:19:52,890 [applause] 276 00:19:52,901 --> 00:19:53,983 [laughter] 277 00:19:54,060 --> 00:19:56,444 And milk drinking contests. 278 00:19:59,815 --> 00:20:00,990 [laughter] 279 00:20:01,067 --> 00:20:02,992 [birds squawking] 280 00:20:04,996 --> 00:20:09,823 [dog barking] 281 00:20:09,834 --> 00:20:12,576 At skagway, it's not hard to coax tales 282 00:20:12,587 --> 00:20:17,665 From its most famous resident, harriet pullen, now 69. 283 00:20:17,675 --> 00:20:24,838 ♪ 284 00:20:24,849 --> 00:20:27,099 For transportation, you can now get a tour 285 00:20:27,176 --> 00:20:28,935 On the skagway street car. 286 00:20:31,764 --> 00:20:36,850 A dip into the gold rush experience is mandatory... 287 00:20:36,861 --> 00:20:39,362 No matter how well you're dressed. 288 00:20:44,026 --> 00:20:48,445 Spectacular glaciers are within easy driving distance. 289 00:20:48,456 --> 00:20:56,120 ♪ 290 00:20:56,130 --> 00:20:57,171 [whistle blows] 291 00:20:59,801 --> 00:21:02,134 And the white pass and yukon railway 292 00:21:02,211 --> 00:21:05,805 Now stretches through to canada. 293 00:21:05,881 --> 00:21:07,881 But more than rich tourists, 294 00:21:07,892 --> 00:21:12,979 Alaska needs tough settlers ready to dig in and work hard. 295 00:21:13,055 --> 00:21:16,315 [whistle blowing] 296 00:21:19,812 --> 00:21:24,064 By 1934 alaska has a population which has stagnated 297 00:21:24,075 --> 00:21:26,650 Since the gold rush days. 298 00:21:26,661 --> 00:21:30,246 The region is struggling to grow. 299 00:21:30,323 --> 00:21:33,666 Only 60,000 in total live here... 300 00:21:33,743 --> 00:21:38,662 Most living in small communities along the lengthy coastline. 301 00:21:38,673 --> 00:21:42,249 Nome is one of the most isolated cities. 302 00:21:42,260 --> 00:21:47,763 On September 17, 1934, disaster strikes. 303 00:21:47,840 --> 00:21:50,808 [explosion] 304 00:21:55,264 --> 00:21:59,191 Flames break out in the roof of the golden gate hotel. 305 00:22:02,271 --> 00:22:08,284 The onshore breeze spreads the fire across town. 306 00:22:08,361 --> 00:22:11,028 The small fire department burns down, 307 00:22:11,039 --> 00:22:13,113 And locals have to tackle the fire 308 00:22:13,124 --> 00:22:16,784 In whatever way they can. 309 00:22:16,794 --> 00:22:19,253 Much of nome winds up in ashes. 310 00:22:23,217 --> 00:22:27,219 Of 1,500 residents, 400 are without homes, 311 00:22:27,296 --> 00:22:31,223 Exposed to the coming winter deep in the wilderness. 312 00:22:33,895 --> 00:22:36,145 Only a massive government relief effort 313 00:22:36,222 --> 00:22:38,814 Gets them through to spring... 314 00:22:38,891 --> 00:22:42,943 A reminder of alaska's unforgiving nature. 315 00:22:46,982 --> 00:22:50,242 But in 1935 during the great depression, 316 00:22:50,319 --> 00:22:53,579 Alaska again becomes a place of opportunity. 317 00:22:57,993 --> 00:23:00,169 At matanuska, near anchorage, 318 00:23:00,246 --> 00:23:02,880 Crews begin to clear virgin forest. 319 00:23:07,011 --> 00:23:10,805 It's the first phase of a bold new deal program. 320 00:23:13,843 --> 00:23:16,769 President franklin d. Roosevelt's administration 321 00:23:16,846 --> 00:23:19,939 Recruits 203 families from the hard-hit states 322 00:23:20,015 --> 00:23:23,818 Of minnesota, michigan, and wisconsin. 323 00:23:26,772 --> 00:23:30,691 These midwesterners know how to navigate fierce winters. 324 00:23:30,701 --> 00:23:31,575 [train whistle blows] 325 00:23:34,947 --> 00:23:38,290 Arriving in may, families each get 40 acres 326 00:23:38,367 --> 00:23:42,044 On which to rebuild their lives. 327 00:23:42,121 --> 00:23:45,881 Man: There are 200 lots and 200 families. 328 00:23:45,958 --> 00:23:46,882 Let's go. 329 00:23:46,959 --> 00:23:48,134 Number one will draw. 330 00:23:48,210 --> 00:23:51,429 Man: Elmer olson. 200. 331 00:23:52,965 --> 00:23:55,015 Man: Tom porter, number 96. 332 00:23:58,062 --> 00:23:59,887 Man: Marion poor, 49th. 333 00:23:59,897 --> 00:24:01,564 [horse neighs] 334 00:24:01,640 --> 00:24:02,898 Narrator: Low-interest loans 335 00:24:02,975 --> 00:24:06,152 Underwrite houses, barns, and livestock. 336 00:24:09,991 --> 00:24:11,574 I'm sure we'll make a go of it 337 00:24:11,650 --> 00:24:13,951 Because my husband's the kind that can. 338 00:24:16,238 --> 00:24:18,906 Narrator: Cameras capture the initial optimism. 339 00:24:18,916 --> 00:24:23,827 ♪ some people think we're fooling ♪ 340 00:24:23,838 --> 00:24:28,174 ♪ and are sure we will regret ♪ 341 00:24:28,250 --> 00:24:32,178 ♪ but really they are mistaken ♪ 342 00:24:32,254 --> 00:24:36,840 ♪ for there's no sign as yet ♪ 343 00:24:36,851 --> 00:24:40,677 ♪ we want to make a new start ♪ 344 00:24:40,688 --> 00:24:45,098 ♪ somewhere without delay ♪ 345 00:24:45,109 --> 00:24:49,028 ♪ so here we are, alaska ♪ 346 00:24:49,104 --> 00:24:52,531 ♪ and we have come to stay ♪ 347 00:24:58,113 --> 00:25:00,948 Narrator: In alaska, the long summer days 348 00:25:00,958 --> 00:25:03,334 Mean super-size crops. 349 00:25:09,967 --> 00:25:15,212 The new deal puts $5 million into matanuska, 350 00:25:15,223 --> 00:25:19,808 Providing vital roads, rail and schools for the area. 351 00:25:24,732 --> 00:25:28,067 But the alaskan summer is a blink. 352 00:25:28,143 --> 00:25:33,489 And alaska's long winters are no cakewalk. 353 00:25:33,566 --> 00:25:37,076 Man: The growing season is too short. 354 00:25:37,152 --> 00:25:39,370 Narrator: It's only three months long. 355 00:25:42,917 --> 00:25:44,625 I want to go home to grandma. 356 00:25:45,836 --> 00:25:47,670 Narrator: Within five years, 357 00:25:47,746 --> 00:25:50,506 Half the families abandon matanuska. 358 00:25:53,010 --> 00:25:57,721 Some move into nearby anchorage, and others return home. 359 00:25:59,925 --> 00:26:02,759 [birds squawking] 360 00:26:02,770 --> 00:26:06,680 In the 1930s, fishing here creates more wealth 361 00:26:06,691 --> 00:26:09,567 Than all of alaska's minerals combined. 362 00:26:14,031 --> 00:26:17,783 Commercial fishermen come for the cod... 363 00:26:17,860 --> 00:26:21,945 The highly prized king crab... 364 00:26:21,956 --> 00:26:25,866 And most of all, the salmon. 365 00:26:25,876 --> 00:26:29,712 For a few short weeks each year, over 20,000 fishermen 366 00:26:29,788 --> 00:26:33,882 Head to alaskan waters for the salmon run... 367 00:26:33,959 --> 00:26:37,136 When millions of fish return home from the deep ocean 368 00:26:37,212 --> 00:26:41,214 To their breeding grounds in alaskan rivers. 369 00:26:41,225 --> 00:26:46,887 Lying in wait are massive nets ready to intercept them. 370 00:26:46,897 --> 00:26:49,973 At the industry's peak in 1937, 371 00:26:49,984 --> 00:26:53,569 Fishermen catch over 100 million salmon. 372 00:26:53,646 --> 00:26:58,574 Today, that harvest would be worth over $800 million. 373 00:27:00,402 --> 00:27:03,120 [ship horn blows] 374 00:27:04,239 --> 00:27:05,831 With no freezers on board, 375 00:27:05,908 --> 00:27:08,241 The fish is raced to nearby canneries 376 00:27:08,252 --> 00:27:10,252 And processed within hours. 377 00:27:14,008 --> 00:27:18,594 Modern canning revolutionizes salmon processing. 378 00:27:18,671 --> 00:27:21,171 Off with its head... 379 00:27:21,182 --> 00:27:24,016 Into the can and sealed... 380 00:27:27,930 --> 00:27:32,024 Then carefully cooked in steam ovens, 381 00:27:32,101 --> 00:27:35,152 Before being packaged and shipped worldwide. 382 00:27:39,700 --> 00:27:41,942 With a gold mine off its shores, 383 00:27:41,952 --> 00:27:46,789 Others try to plunder these riches... 384 00:27:46,865 --> 00:27:50,751 As japanese floating canneries move in on this resource. 385 00:27:54,707 --> 00:27:56,957 Announcer: As on the shelves even of united states merchants 386 00:27:56,967 --> 00:27:59,635 Appear quantities of alaskan salmon 387 00:27:59,712 --> 00:28:02,796 Caught, packed and sold by japanese. 388 00:28:02,807 --> 00:28:05,048 To a world awakening for the first time 389 00:28:05,059 --> 00:28:07,801 To the problems of alaska... 390 00:28:07,812 --> 00:28:09,978 Narrator: With the jobs of fishermen at stake, 391 00:28:10,055 --> 00:28:13,065 Furious alaskans demand action... 392 00:28:13,142 --> 00:28:17,069 As staged newsreels from the time illustrate. 393 00:28:17,146 --> 00:28:19,730 Well, we won't stand for it. 394 00:28:19,740 --> 00:28:21,898 Them salmon were born and raised in american waters 395 00:28:21,909 --> 00:28:24,076 Under the protection of our fish laws. 396 00:28:24,153 --> 00:28:26,987 What if they do swim out beyond the three-mile limit? 397 00:28:26,997 --> 00:28:29,740 They're still american fish, ain't they? 398 00:28:29,750 --> 00:28:31,825 Narrator: This time the united states and japan 399 00:28:31,836 --> 00:28:33,919 Come to terms. 400 00:28:33,996 --> 00:28:38,006 Japanese fishing vessels are banned from alaskan waters. 401 00:28:45,933 --> 00:28:49,017 In the mid-1930s alaska takes delivery 402 00:28:49,094 --> 00:28:52,012 Of america's latest weapon... 403 00:28:52,022 --> 00:28:55,932 The b-10, the nation's first all-metal bomber, 404 00:28:55,943 --> 00:28:59,945 And the world's fastest. 405 00:29:00,022 --> 00:29:02,939 Only long-distance flights over rough terrain 406 00:29:02,950 --> 00:29:06,869 Will battle-harden b-10s and their crews. 407 00:29:06,945 --> 00:29:11,782 Alaska offers such routes in spades. 408 00:29:11,792 --> 00:29:14,710 Each aircraft bears an alaskan city's name. 409 00:29:19,049 --> 00:29:22,468 Lieutenant colonel hap arnold commands the flight. 410 00:29:25,639 --> 00:29:27,964 He's a military aviation pioneer; 411 00:29:27,975 --> 00:29:30,851 Taught to fly by the wright brothers. 412 00:29:33,314 --> 00:29:36,815 Colonel arnold, on behalf of the war department 413 00:29:36,892 --> 00:29:39,309 And the secretary of war dern, 414 00:29:39,320 --> 00:29:43,730 I came to wish you and the officers of the alaskan flight 415 00:29:43,741 --> 00:29:47,234 Success and godspeed. 416 00:29:47,244 --> 00:29:49,578 Narrator: Crews will plan new air routes 417 00:29:49,655 --> 00:29:53,457 By mapping alaska with cutting-edge aerial cameras. 418 00:29:57,087 --> 00:29:59,079 Hap arnold: We're hopping off for fairbanks, 419 00:29:59,089 --> 00:30:00,339 And with the breaks in the weather 420 00:30:00,415 --> 00:30:01,924 And good luck with our equipment, 421 00:30:02,000 --> 00:30:05,001 We'll have all ten planes in fairbanks 422 00:30:05,012 --> 00:30:06,837 Ready for our reconnaissance flights up there 423 00:30:06,847 --> 00:30:08,922 Within a few days. 424 00:30:08,933 --> 00:30:11,767 [cheering] 425 00:30:11,844 --> 00:30:15,262 Narrator: They'll take a month to chart 35,000 square miles 426 00:30:15,272 --> 00:30:17,564 Of alaska and the arctic. 427 00:30:22,196 --> 00:30:27,783 The mission is based in alaska's largest airfield, at fairbanks. 428 00:30:27,860 --> 00:30:31,119 The city now has a population of over 2,000. 429 00:30:33,624 --> 00:30:36,032 The cameras of the u.S. Army air corps 430 00:30:36,043 --> 00:30:40,787 Capture life as the airmen cause a stir around the city. 431 00:30:40,798 --> 00:30:43,131 They acquire alaskan mascots. 432 00:30:47,796 --> 00:30:52,224 Alaska is of critical strategic importance. 433 00:30:52,301 --> 00:30:55,969 The crews' photos help plan possible responses 434 00:30:55,980 --> 00:31:00,732 To the growing threat from russia and japan... 435 00:31:00,809 --> 00:31:02,234 With one general saying, 436 00:31:02,311 --> 00:31:05,737 "whoever holds alaska will hold the world." 437 00:31:05,814 --> 00:31:07,823 [cheering] 438 00:31:07,900 --> 00:31:09,900 In recognition of their work, 439 00:31:09,910 --> 00:31:12,953 Arnold is given a key to the city of fairbanks. 440 00:31:18,827 --> 00:31:21,670 But alaska remains isolated-- 441 00:31:21,747 --> 00:31:25,841 There is no rail or road route connecting to the lower 48. 442 00:31:27,761 --> 00:31:31,388 One man has been pushing to end this isolation. 443 00:31:33,926 --> 00:31:35,142 [bell rings] 444 00:31:37,930 --> 00:31:41,523 Clyde "slim" williams is an alaska celebrity. 445 00:31:43,685 --> 00:31:49,189 He arrived in 1900 and blazed trails all over the territory. 446 00:31:49,199 --> 00:31:51,867 For years he's campaigned for a land link 447 00:31:51,944 --> 00:31:54,202 To the lower 48. 448 00:31:54,279 --> 00:31:57,789 He calls it the alaska highway. 449 00:31:57,866 --> 00:32:01,543 To publicize his plan, in November 1932 450 00:32:01,620 --> 00:32:05,956 He mushed from fairbanks through the toughest terrain to seattle. 451 00:32:05,966 --> 00:32:08,959 It took five and a half months. 452 00:32:08,969 --> 00:32:13,889 But the government ignored the hoopla. 453 00:32:13,966 --> 00:32:19,719 Now, in 1939, williams and fellow adventurer john logan 454 00:32:19,730 --> 00:32:23,649 Decide to repeat the journey... 455 00:32:23,725 --> 00:32:25,141 On motorcycles. 456 00:32:25,152 --> 00:32:34,826 ♪ 457 00:32:34,903 --> 00:32:38,738 They use their frontier skills to overcome challenges. 458 00:32:38,749 --> 00:32:42,826 ♪ 459 00:32:42,836 --> 00:32:54,838 ♪ 460 00:32:54,848 --> 00:33:00,769 To fuel their bikes, they rely on folks living way off grid... 461 00:33:00,846 --> 00:33:02,604 In logging camps... 462 00:33:04,608 --> 00:33:07,025 And on alaskan native settlements. 463 00:33:07,102 --> 00:33:19,538 ♪ 464 00:33:19,614 --> 00:33:28,046 ♪ 465 00:33:28,123 --> 00:33:31,958 Six hard and increasingly hairy months later, 466 00:33:31,969 --> 00:33:34,886 Williams and logan reach pavement, 467 00:33:34,963 --> 00:33:38,890 Lashing their bikes together for the final leg to seattle. 468 00:33:42,896 --> 00:33:45,055 Despite all this effort, 469 00:33:45,065 --> 00:33:47,899 The government again rejects the idea. 470 00:33:51,321 --> 00:33:53,313 [air raid siren] 471 00:33:53,323 --> 00:33:54,814 [explosions] 472 00:33:54,825 --> 00:34:00,236 December 7, 1941, changes everything for alaska. 473 00:34:00,247 --> 00:34:04,082 Japan attacks pearl harbor, hawaii. 474 00:34:04,159 --> 00:34:07,919 America is thrown into war. 475 00:34:07,996 --> 00:34:10,172 Japan also turns its attention 476 00:34:10,248 --> 00:34:12,582 To alaska's aleutian islands, 477 00:34:12,593 --> 00:34:15,677 Strung far into the pacific. 478 00:34:15,754 --> 00:34:18,671 Their first target is the u.S. Navy base 479 00:34:18,682 --> 00:34:21,933 At dutch harbor. 480 00:34:22,010 --> 00:34:24,928 [explosions] 481 00:34:24,938 --> 00:34:30,767 On June 3, 1942, imperial forces bomb the remote outpost, 482 00:34:30,778 --> 00:34:32,861 Killing 78 americans. 483 00:34:32,938 --> 00:34:40,869 ♪ 484 00:34:40,946 --> 00:34:43,196 This rare captured footage 485 00:34:43,207 --> 00:34:47,951 Shows the unbelievable happening three days later... 486 00:34:47,961 --> 00:34:53,215 Japanese soldiers conquering american soil. 487 00:34:53,291 --> 00:34:55,801 This aleutian island is defended 488 00:34:55,877 --> 00:35:00,347 By only ten u.S. Navy weathermen and their dog, explosion. 489 00:35:02,142 --> 00:35:06,812 Enemy soldiers round up the defenders... 490 00:35:06,888 --> 00:35:10,056 Parading john mccandless and rolland coffield 491 00:35:10,067 --> 00:35:13,143 Past the lens. 492 00:35:13,153 --> 00:35:16,696 The weathermen spend three years as prisoners of war. 493 00:35:18,900 --> 00:35:21,827 Coffield survives... 494 00:35:21,903 --> 00:35:23,745 As does mccandless. 495 00:35:28,243 --> 00:35:32,912 With alaska under attack, american troops and equipment 496 00:35:32,923 --> 00:35:37,259 Need to be transported north as quickly as possible. 497 00:35:37,335 --> 00:35:40,170 The pressure of war means slim williams's dream 498 00:35:40,180 --> 00:35:43,923 Is finally going to be reality. 499 00:35:43,934 --> 00:35:46,935 The alaska highway. 500 00:35:47,012 --> 00:35:49,262 Announcer: Here from a tent city in the heart of the wilderness, 501 00:35:49,273 --> 00:35:52,682 The army wages a war against nature and the elements. 502 00:35:52,693 --> 00:35:55,852 In 30-below-zero temperature, they're blazing a trail 503 00:35:55,863 --> 00:35:59,030 For the construction of a 1,500-mile military highway 504 00:35:59,107 --> 00:36:03,026 From the united states to alaska. 505 00:36:03,036 --> 00:36:05,579 Narrator: By November, the road is complete... 506 00:36:08,783 --> 00:36:12,085 An extraordinary achievement of american engineering. 507 00:36:18,886 --> 00:36:20,886 With alaska connected, 508 00:36:20,962 --> 00:36:25,473 Construction workers, men and material freely flow north. 509 00:36:35,060 --> 00:36:37,060 Now preparations can begin 510 00:36:37,070 --> 00:36:42,065 For one of the most remote campaigns of world war two. 511 00:36:42,075 --> 00:36:46,736 So remote, everything is shipped 2,300 miles west 512 00:36:46,747 --> 00:36:49,080 To the aleutian island of adak. 513 00:36:49,157 --> 00:36:51,166 It will act as the jumping-off point 514 00:36:51,243 --> 00:36:54,911 For the mission to expel the japanese. 515 00:36:54,922 --> 00:36:57,747 Academy award-winning director john huston 516 00:36:57,758 --> 00:36:59,249 Documents the build-up. 517 00:36:59,259 --> 00:37:00,833 John huston: Typical of the aleutian chain, 518 00:37:00,844 --> 00:37:03,011 It is windswept, treeless, rain-soaked. 519 00:37:03,088 --> 00:37:06,589 Next to worthless in terms of human existence. 520 00:37:06,600 --> 00:37:10,602 But strategically adak is one of the most important locations 521 00:37:10,679 --> 00:37:12,062 In the world. 522 00:37:15,934 --> 00:37:17,267 Narrator: Only seasoned pilots 523 00:37:17,277 --> 00:37:20,270 Can cope with its boggy landing strip. 524 00:37:20,280 --> 00:37:30,288 ♪ 525 00:37:30,365 --> 00:37:33,950 It's from here that in may 1943 526 00:37:33,961 --> 00:37:35,952 American troops begin their campaign 527 00:37:35,963 --> 00:37:39,130 To liberate the aleutian island of attu. 528 00:37:45,305 --> 00:37:46,888 Announcer: Troops don warpaint-- 529 00:37:46,965 --> 00:37:49,132 Camouflage for what they expect to be 530 00:37:49,142 --> 00:37:52,719 The bloodiest of battles against a foe fighting to the death. 531 00:37:52,729 --> 00:37:55,647 [machine gun fire] 532 00:37:56,984 --> 00:38:01,903 [machine gun fire] 533 00:38:01,980 --> 00:38:05,064 Narrator: U.S. Army air force bombers begin the only battle 534 00:38:05,075 --> 00:38:07,909 Fought on north american soil during the conflict. 535 00:38:07,986 --> 00:38:13,823 ♪ 536 00:38:13,834 --> 00:38:18,578 At dawn on may 11th, u.S. Infantry hit the beach. 537 00:38:18,588 --> 00:38:22,165 [artillery fire] 538 00:38:22,175 --> 00:38:25,302 The battle rages on for three weeks... 539 00:38:26,263 --> 00:38:28,596 [artillery fire] 540 00:38:28,673 --> 00:38:32,309 As the japanese defenders fight to the death. 541 00:38:34,604 --> 00:38:40,358 Victory is only achieved when all 2,400 are wiped out... 542 00:38:45,615 --> 00:38:48,950 For the loss of 500 american lives. 543 00:38:49,619 --> 00:38:51,036 [bugling] 544 00:38:51,112 --> 00:38:53,121 American advances elsewhere in the pacific 545 00:38:53,198 --> 00:38:57,033 Overshadow the victory at attu. 546 00:38:57,044 --> 00:38:59,961 To the soldiers who spilled blood on the aleutians, 547 00:39:00,038 --> 00:39:03,131 It becomes known as the forgotten battle. 548 00:39:03,208 --> 00:39:10,972 ♪ 549 00:39:15,645 --> 00:39:20,973 After regrouping, u.S. Forces assault nearby kiska... 550 00:39:20,984 --> 00:39:24,152 Only to find the japanese have fled, 551 00:39:24,229 --> 00:39:27,230 Leaving behind tons of military hardware, 552 00:39:27,240 --> 00:39:30,817 Including midget submarines. 553 00:39:30,827 --> 00:39:32,568 And amid the debris, 554 00:39:32,579 --> 00:39:36,373 The weathermen's dog, explosion, who is still alive and well. 555 00:39:37,992 --> 00:39:40,960 Alaska is now liberated. 556 00:39:45,667 --> 00:39:50,586 [cheering] 557 00:39:50,597 --> 00:39:54,757 In August 1944 fdr spends six days 558 00:39:54,768 --> 00:39:56,684 Inspecting troops in alaska. 559 00:39:56,761 --> 00:40:01,022 ♪ 560 00:40:01,099 --> 00:40:02,857 For company he's brought fala, 561 00:40:02,934 --> 00:40:06,736 His scottish terrier and america's favorite dog. 562 00:40:09,023 --> 00:40:10,865 When they return to the lower 48, 563 00:40:10,942 --> 00:40:14,944 Critics claim he ditched fala in the aleutians... 564 00:40:14,955 --> 00:40:20,116 Only to send an expensive warship back to retrieve him. 565 00:40:20,127 --> 00:40:21,868 You know, fala's scotch... 566 00:40:21,878 --> 00:40:24,620 [laughter] 567 00:40:24,631 --> 00:40:26,798 And being a scottie, 568 00:40:26,875 --> 00:40:28,708 As soon as he learned 569 00:40:28,718 --> 00:40:31,052 That the republican fiction writers 570 00:40:31,129 --> 00:40:33,805 Had concocted a story 571 00:40:33,882 --> 00:40:38,885 That I had left him behind on an aleutian island 572 00:40:38,895 --> 00:40:43,055 And had sent a destroyer back to find him, 573 00:40:43,066 --> 00:40:45,057 At a cost to the taxpayers 574 00:40:45,068 --> 00:40:50,229 Of two or three, or eight or twenty million dollars, 575 00:40:50,240 --> 00:40:53,065 His scotch soul was furious. 576 00:40:53,076 --> 00:40:57,162 [laughter] 577 00:40:57,238 --> 00:40:59,998 Narrator: As hostilities end on american soil, 578 00:41:00,074 --> 00:41:02,959 Alaska's role keeps evolving. 579 00:41:07,999 --> 00:41:11,009 America donates planes to soviet russia 580 00:41:11,085 --> 00:41:15,263 To help bolster the fight on the eastern front. 581 00:41:15,340 --> 00:41:18,591 At fairbanks, where b-10s once landed, 582 00:41:18,602 --> 00:41:21,853 Russian crews take delivery of american-made aircraft 583 00:41:21,930 --> 00:41:26,274 And paint on the soviet star. 584 00:41:26,351 --> 00:41:29,944 Soviet pilots fly the planes to the eastern front 585 00:41:30,021 --> 00:41:33,615 4,000 miles away. 586 00:41:33,691 --> 00:41:36,784 Fairbanks hosts hundreds of russian personnel 587 00:41:36,861 --> 00:41:40,279 In a rare moment of cooperation between the two countries. 588 00:41:40,290 --> 00:41:46,044 ♪ 589 00:41:46,120 --> 00:41:50,215 The soviet visitors find life very different than at home. 590 00:41:53,803 --> 00:41:56,804 In 18 months nearly 8,000 planes 591 00:41:56,881 --> 00:41:59,048 Make the transit through alaska... 592 00:41:59,059 --> 00:42:03,636 Advancing the allies to victory in may 1945. 593 00:42:03,647 --> 00:42:09,984 ♪ 594 00:42:10,061 --> 00:42:15,073 But all too soon, yesterday's ally will become today's enemy. 595 00:42:18,903 --> 00:42:20,995 In the aftermath of world war two, 596 00:42:21,072 --> 00:42:23,823 Tensions with russia rise. 597 00:42:23,833 --> 00:42:28,002 It's the start of the cold war. 598 00:42:28,079 --> 00:42:33,383 On July 9, 1953, huge blasts rock the territory... 599 00:42:34,928 --> 00:42:37,095 [explosion] 600 00:42:37,171 --> 00:42:40,098 Not a-bombs, but a volcano. 601 00:42:42,677 --> 00:42:44,010 Newsreel announcer: Erupting for the first time 602 00:42:44,020 --> 00:42:45,928 In the history of mankind, 603 00:42:45,939 --> 00:42:49,849 Mount spurr is an awesome and truly spectacular sight. 604 00:42:49,859 --> 00:42:52,184 Narrator: The eruption sends an ash plume 605 00:42:52,195 --> 00:42:55,154 70,000 feet into the air. 606 00:42:57,951 --> 00:43:02,695 Ash shuts down anchorage. 607 00:43:02,706 --> 00:43:04,038 Announcer: Nearby elmendorf airfield 608 00:43:04,115 --> 00:43:06,040 Has been blanketed with a fine soot, 609 00:43:06,117 --> 00:43:08,284 And it's been a job to keep the runways clear. 610 00:43:08,295 --> 00:43:09,961 The powerful blower of a jet engine 611 00:43:10,038 --> 00:43:11,879 Has been pressed into this argument with the dust, 612 00:43:11,956 --> 00:43:14,799 And by the look of it, the debate continues. 613 00:43:14,876 --> 00:43:23,057 ♪ 614 00:43:23,134 --> 00:43:24,976 Narrator: The cold war escalates, 615 00:43:25,053 --> 00:43:28,855 And an ice curtain slams down across the region. 616 00:43:31,318 --> 00:43:36,896 Alaskan natives find themselves on the frontline... 617 00:43:36,906 --> 00:43:42,818 Especially on two islands in the bering strait. 618 00:43:42,829 --> 00:43:44,412 Just two miles separates 619 00:43:44,489 --> 00:43:49,241 Russia's big diomede and america's little diomede. 620 00:43:49,252 --> 00:43:52,837 [birds squawking] 621 00:43:52,914 --> 00:43:55,998 For centuries islanders have survived 622 00:43:56,009 --> 00:43:58,918 By collecting eggs 623 00:43:58,928 --> 00:44:02,922 And catching birds on the cliff faces. 624 00:44:02,932 --> 00:44:04,932 And free movement between the islands 625 00:44:05,009 --> 00:44:07,101 Is part of their way of life. 626 00:44:09,022 --> 00:44:11,931 As tensions mount, the soviet authorities 627 00:44:11,941 --> 00:44:16,694 Evacuate its big diomede population to siberia, 628 00:44:16,771 --> 00:44:18,946 Forever separating families. 629 00:44:22,276 --> 00:44:25,778 From a military backwater, alaska has evolved 630 00:44:25,789 --> 00:44:31,701 Into a strategic gem, on which the government showers money. 631 00:44:31,711 --> 00:44:35,630 The military quickly becomes the territory's largest employer. 632 00:44:37,875 --> 00:44:40,968 Alaska's northerly position is perfectly placed 633 00:44:41,045 --> 00:44:43,221 For a network of radar stations 634 00:44:43,297 --> 00:44:47,266 That will detect russian bombers coming over the north pole. 635 00:44:48,720 --> 00:44:51,979 When complete, the distant early warning line 636 00:44:52,056 --> 00:44:55,983 Will stretch 3,000 miles from alaska to greenland. 637 00:44:58,988 --> 00:45:00,988 To enable this, the military builds 638 00:45:01,065 --> 00:45:04,158 Permanent bases in arctic alaska... 639 00:45:08,081 --> 00:45:11,374 Connecting once-remote locations to the outside. 640 00:45:14,996 --> 00:45:16,754 Across the dew line 641 00:45:16,831 --> 00:45:21,092 A new generation of americans are living a frontier life. 642 00:45:22,846 --> 00:45:26,013 Announcer: But perhaps the true historical role of the dew line 643 00:45:26,090 --> 00:45:27,757 Will prove to be the opening up 644 00:45:27,767 --> 00:45:30,017 For peaceful and productive purposes 645 00:45:30,094 --> 00:45:33,688 Of a vast new frontier above the arctic circle. 646 00:45:42,031 --> 00:45:46,951 Narrator: In July 1957, test wells come good 647 00:45:47,028 --> 00:45:50,288 When 250 million barrels of oil are found 648 00:45:50,364 --> 00:45:53,708 40 miles from anchorage. 649 00:45:53,785 --> 00:45:56,794 Roughnecks from across america flood into alaska 650 00:45:56,871 --> 00:45:59,505 To exploit its black gold. 651 00:46:03,887 --> 00:46:07,046 Anchorage is booming. 652 00:46:07,056 --> 00:46:10,892 Only 40 years ago a tent city for railroad workers, 653 00:46:10,968 --> 00:46:15,229 It is now as modern as any metropolis in america. 654 00:46:15,306 --> 00:46:19,225 For 90 years, the federal government in washington, d.C., 655 00:46:19,235 --> 00:46:22,820 Has administered alaska from afar. 656 00:46:22,897 --> 00:46:27,992 But with rising oil wealth and a growing population of 220,000, 657 00:46:28,069 --> 00:46:31,070 They want statehood. 658 00:46:31,080 --> 00:46:35,124 Alaskans campaign to become the 49th state of the union. 659 00:46:39,255 --> 00:46:41,997 Finally, in 1958, 660 00:46:42,008 --> 00:46:47,086 President eisenhower signs the alaska statehood act. 661 00:46:47,096 --> 00:46:49,847 Announcer: A 49th state born, with uncle sam 662 00:46:49,924 --> 00:46:52,258 As pleased as the celebrants in alaska, 663 00:46:52,268 --> 00:46:54,260 Who tossed the wildest celebration 664 00:46:54,270 --> 00:46:56,020 Since gold rush days. 665 00:46:56,097 --> 00:46:58,564 [cheering] 666 00:47:01,110 --> 00:47:02,935 Narrator: Crowds in anchorage cheer 667 00:47:02,946 --> 00:47:05,688 As local pageant queen rita martin 668 00:47:05,698 --> 00:47:09,024 Gives old glory a 49th star. 669 00:47:09,035 --> 00:47:15,498 [cheering] 670 00:47:18,211 --> 00:47:22,872 ♪ 671 00:47:22,882 --> 00:47:26,292 A year later anchorage turns out again... 672 00:47:26,302 --> 00:47:31,055 For the annual fur rendezvous... 673 00:47:31,132 --> 00:47:35,226 A festival celebrating what makes alaska, alaska. 674 00:47:37,305 --> 00:47:40,815 They may be part of the union, but alaskans still feel 675 00:47:40,892 --> 00:47:43,734 They stand apart from the lower 48, 676 00:47:43,811 --> 00:47:47,238 Thanks to their unique culture and traditions. 677 00:47:47,315 --> 00:47:50,241 Isolation and harsh beauty 678 00:47:50,318 --> 00:47:52,827 Will always define this state 679 00:47:52,904 --> 00:47:55,487 As america's last frontier. 680 00:47:55,498 --> 00:47:58,291 ♪