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Ship Creek History

Ship Creek Anchorage Alaska high tide

Low tide strands Small boats on the muddy banks of Ship Creek. The new Alaska Railroad can be seen behind them. Image from the Library of Congress. Photo Use Policy.

When you talk about the history of Ship Creek, you are telling the history of the city of Anchorage. Before the coming of the railroad and the birth of Anchorage, the region was only lightly inhabited. As early as 3000 BC there were small, isolated Eskimo communities on the shores of the upper Cook Inlet. Eventually they were displaced by Dena'ina Athabascans who were still living in the area when Captain Cook sailed through the area.

Early European exploration did little to change the Ship Creek or Anchorage areas. When Cook sailed sailed through the area, he didn't even make landfall. Even the following Russian colonization passed up the Ship Creek area.

Ship Creek's history changed dramatically in 1915 when Woodrow Wilson authorized the creation of the Alaskan Railroad from Seward to Fairbanks. Ship Creek was chosen for a supply terminal and almost overnight a tent city of 2000 sprang up on the banks of the creek.

Entrepenuers quickly moved in and started businesses and workers started setting up a permanant presence along Ship Creek. Then on July 9, 1915 there was a lot auction where 600 gridded lots were auctioned off and a city was born. When it came time to name the new city it was a toss up. Ship Creek and Alaska City were strong contenders but the final decision was to go with Anchorage, mostly because the US Postal Service had already been using the name for some time.

Ship Creek Anchorage

An early View of the Alaska Railroad on the banks of Ship Creek. Image from the Library of Congress. Photo Use Policy.

Over the years, Anchorage grew up and away from Ship Creek. The focus of the city moved just south to the current downtown area. The creek took on the looks of a rail yard. But the creek continued to be an important feature, supplying drinking water for Anchorage and some hydroelectric power.

 

To see more historic pictures of Ship Creek from the Library of Congress. Check out our Ship Creek History Photo Gallery.

 

The Future of Ship Creek

Ship Creek has been coming back to the center of focus for Anchorage over the last few years. Several projects are looking to improve the creek and embrace the creek as a part of the city.


Currently there are several plans for development of the creeks water front. The Alaska Railroad hopes to improve the area around the Railroad buildings and station which includes landscaping and walkways along the creek. Also there are plans to extend the Ship Creek trail to the mouth of the creek.


ship creek unplugged logoThe most intriguing project for fishermen is Ship Creek Unplugged – a group of concerned citizens and private and public organizations. Their hope is to remove the dams from the creek and restore the natural flow to the the entire watershed. This should improve the natural wild salmon runs on the creek. In March 2005, they got their first major victory when the culverts at the creek’s mouth were removed. Unfortunately the dam will be a bigger hurtle but the wheels are in motion toward restoration.

 

 
 

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