Alaska Railroad
History
1900-1920
1920-1930
1935-1945
1945-1975
1975-1981
1983-1984
1985-1990
Early 1990s
Mid 1990s
Late 1990s
2000-2002
2003-2004
2005-2010
2010-Present
A Legend Over 90 Years in the Making
Like Alaska itself, the Alaska Railroad story is full of peaks and valleys. Every mile of this legendary railroad was hard earned through grit, bravery, faith, and lots of sweat. As daunting as the obstacles were at times, the Railroad moved forward, persevering and overcoming. It's this epic journey that has made Alaska Railroad the backbone of the Last Frontier.
1900-1920
1903
Alaska Central Railway (later renamed "The Alaska Railroad") built the first railroad in Alaska. It started in Seward and extended 50 miles north.
1910
Alaska Central Railway reorganized as the Alaska Northern Railway Co., later extending the railroad to Kern Creek - 71 miles from Seward.
1914
The US Congress agrees to fund construction and operation of a railroad from Seward to Fairbanks. Estimated construction cost - $35 million.
1915
Anchorage starts off as a tent town and serves as a railroad construction community along Ship Creek. Railroad headquarters are moved here from Seward.
1920-1930
1923
President Warren G. Harding drives the golden spike in the ground at Nenana, marking the completion of the Alaska Railroad. On his return trip to San Francisco, President Harding died from an attack of food poisoning.
1930
With a combined population of just 5,400 people, Seward, Anchorage, and Fairbanks - the only sizable towns along the railbelt - are unable to generate enough business to make the railroad profitable.
1935-1945
1938
Under the management of Col. Otto F. Ohlson, the Alaska Railroad operates its first profitable year.
1940-43
World War II brings large profits from hauling military and civilian supplies and materials.
1943
Two tunnels are built through the Chugach Mountains to allow rail access to Whittier, a military port and fuel depot necessary to support the war effort. A new Anchorage passenger depot is completed in December.
1944
Whittier opens as a second railroad port. Diesel locomotives begin to replace steam engines, a process completed in 1966 when the last steam engine was sold.
1945-1975
1947
The inaugural run of the Aurora, a blue and gold steamliner, marks a new level of passenger service between Anchorage and Fairbanks.
1962
First car-barge service established in Whittier, followed by train-ship service in June 1964. This revolutionizes Alaska, enabling rail cars from the Lower 48 to be shipped to any point along the Alaska Railroad.
1964
The Good Friday Earthquake hits Alaska. At a 9.2 magnitude, it is the most powerful quake recorded in North America’s history. Railroad damage from the quake estimated at $30 million. In an amazing turnaround, freight service from Anchorage to Fairbanks is restored on April 6, passenger service on April 11, and freight service to Whittier resumes April 20.
Early to mid-1970s
The Alaska Railroad supports construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline by receiving shipped pipe and storing it on railroad land in Valdez, Seward and Fairbanks. The railroad also hauled pipe from Valdez and Seward to Fairbanks, where it was then trucked to the North Slope. The railroad workforce increased to more than 1,000 between 1970 and 1975.
1975-1981
Mid- to late 1970s
The Federal Railroad Administration sought to transfer its ownership of the Alaska Railroad. With this in mind, railroad personnel prepared for some kind of transition – to be sold, transferred or dissolved. The railroad endured an infrastructure-poor and equipment-strapped era as investments declined while options were mulled
1981
The Railroad enters into agreements with Fairbanks and Anchorage school district career centers to begin a tour guide program that trains high school students to serve as hosts onboard summer passenger trains.
1983-1984
1983
President Ronald Reagan signs into law legislation authorizing transfer of the Alaska Railroad to the State of Alaska.
1983
ARRC invests in telecommunications equipment along the railbelt, enhancing communications to all stations.
1984
The Alaska Railroad develops new passenger services with the cruise industry, accepting contracts to pull superdome double-decker luxury coaches.
1984
Governor Bill Sheffield signs legislation establishing the quasi-public Alaska Railroad Corporation and its seven-member board of directors.
1985-1990
1985
The Alaska Railroad becomes the property of the State of Alaska.
1985
The corporation purchases five new locomotives and 45 new railcars for $9 million. More miles of rail are replaced than were replaced following the 1964 earthquake.
1986
A once-in-100-years flood destroys two major bridges and several smaller bridges and covers the tracks in mud, causing nearly $3 million in damage. Service is restored in just 13 days.
1988
A new depot is constructed at Denali Park, the ultimate destination for thousands of summer visitors.
Early 1990s
1990
A severe winter of extended cold and heavy snowfall causes delays to train operations. Attempts to deter moose from the tracks include shooting off shotgun shells and a pilot car that runs in front of freight trains to encourage animals off the tracks.
1990
Freight revenue for the year increases overall by 10 percent. Passenger ridership increases 17 percent over 1989, totaling 436,964 passengers.
1991
Frank G. Turpin retires as the first president and CEO of the Alaska Railroad Corporation. The board of directors hires Robert S. Hatfield Jr., a 17-year veteran of the Southern Pacific Transportation Co., to head the operation.
1992
Employees in Anchorage move into a new headquarters building constructed along Ship Creek. The 38,700 square-foot building built by Matrix Construction, is owned by Railroad Townsite Company.
Mid 1990s
1995
Former Governor Bill Sheffield is appointed to the Board of Directors and elected chairman.
1995
Ridership hits a new high with 492,528 passengers riding the train during 1995.
Late 1990s
1996
The Alaska Railroad shows a record profit of $8.0 million, surpassing the previous record profit of $7.90 million in 1995. Passenger ridership grows to 512,000.
1997
Former Governor Bill Sheffield becomes CEO and President of the Alaska Railroad and John Binkley is named Chairman of the Board of Directors.
1999
Whittier Tunnel opens to vehicular traffic and becomes the only rail/vehicle shared tunnel in the United States. Railroad ceases to operate the Whittier rail shuttle between Portage and Whittier after 55 years of service.
2000-2002
2000
Railroad purchases 16 new SD70MAC locomotives to increase fuel efficiency and capacity. At 4,000 horse power, the new locomotives increase the Railroad's capacity.
2000
The Grandview passenger train is introduced to serve cruise ship passengers traveling between Seward and Anchorage. Computer Aided Dispatch is introduced to Railroad to replace manual method of tracking trains on handwritten log sheets.
2001
Former Governor Bill Sheffield retires from the Railroad. Patrick K. Gamble, former Four Star Air Force general, named new CEO and President of the Alaska Railroad Corporation.
2002
Real estate revenues exceed $11 million for the first time. New web-based passenger reservation system is implemented. Railroad initiates program to install auxiliary power units and software technology on locomotives to reduce diesel emissions and noise.
2003-2004
2003
New sightseeing service to Grandview and Spencer Glacier begins and a new depot is built at Denali National Park and Preserve.
2003
Most successful year in Alaska Railroad history: net income reaches a record high of $14.5 million. Onboard Services Magazine names Alaska Railroad the best passenger railroad in 2003.
2003
Fewest number of employees are injured than ever before. And train incidents measured well below national average.
2004
Alaska Railroad is one of nine U.S. railroads to receive the E.H. Harriman Memorial special certificate for continued improvement in its safety record over the past two years.
2005-2010
2005
The Alaska Railroad dedicates its new Anchorage Operations Center. The new state-of-the-art facility serves as the nerve center of the Alaska Railroad, bringing dispatch, transportation, safety, and operations together under one roof.
2005
The Alaska Railroad introduces its new GoldStar first class rail service by adding two new double-deck luxury cars to the Denali Star Train.
2006
Wide spread flooding knocks out rail and highway service between Anchorage and Fairbanks. The Railroad is back up and running in less then 48-hours, becoming the first open transportation link between Alaska's two largest cities.
2007
The Alaska Railroad Corporation and U.S. Forest Service introduce a new Whistle Stop Service to the Chugach National Forest.
2010-Present
2010
Rail industry veteran Christopher Aadnesen is named as new President & CEO.
2013
The Railroad’s own Bill O’Leary is named CEO, becoming the first lifelong Alaskan to lead the Railroad.
