City for Empire

Book excerpt: The story of the early years of Alaska’s largest city, its surprisingly diverse people, and its role in twentieth-century American history. First settled in 1915, Anchorage, in what was then known as the Territory of Alaska, was founded with the American empire in mind. During World War I, it served as a conduit through which coal could be shipped to the Pacific, where the US Navy was engaged with Japan. Years later, during World War II, Anchorage became an equally important site for the defense of the mainland and the projection of American power. City for Empire tells the story of Anchorage’s development in that period, focusing in particular on the international context of the city’s early decades and its surprisingly diverse inhabitants. A thorough yet accessible read, City for Empire captures the history of this remarkable city.