This Week in Alaska History: Nov. 10-16

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) — This Week in Alaska History, we talk about a milestone for North Slope crude oil, the last train leaving Kennecott in 1938, and a remarkable feat for Col. Norman Vaughn.

Nov. 10, 1981 — The two-billionth barrel of North Slope crude reached the Valdez Terminal.

Nov. 11, 1938 — The last train left Kennecott after years of production at the mine located in the Wrangell Mountains. The Kennecott Mine flourished in the early 20th century, but by 1938, the copper ore had been nearly depleted and the effects of the Great Depression were too much to keep it open.

Nov. 12, 1940 — Elmendorf Field and Fort Richardson are designated by the War Department.

Nov. 12, 1992 — A C-12F carrying eight Alaska National Guardsmen crashed into a mountain near Juneau, killing all aboard the plane, including Guard Commander, General Tom Carrol. An investigation found the crew became disoriented because they took information from the wrong navigational aid, which led them to believe they were closer to the Juneau airport than they actually were.

Nov. 13, 1999 — A Coast Guard helicopter rescued three men in the icy waters about 70 miles southeast of Yakutat. The men were forced into the water when their boat, the Becca Dawn, sank. A fourth crewman who became separated from the others in the water was never found.

Nov. 14, 1939 — The Fairbanks City Council directed the police to eliminate the problem of wolves being kept as pets within city limits.

Nov. 16, 1973 — Construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline was authorized by President Nixon.

Nov. 16, 1994 — Col. Norman Vaughn began his second attempt to climb the mountain in Antarctica that bears his name.

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