From 1912 until 1959, Alaska was a territory of the United States. As you can tell from many of these photos, Alaska was explored and discovered due to the aviation industry. Even today there is a high ratio of pilots-to-population. Unfortunately, during the years that Alaska and its interior were being explored, there were over 1700 aircraft wreck sites. The following photos were taken during the 1940s in Alaska and give you a good feel for what life looked like for a majority of the population.

1. The first Russian Mission in Nome, Alaska, 1942.
Library of Congress LC-USW33-053763
2. An officers' dance in Nome for Americans and Russians in 1943.
Library of Congress LC-USW33-053753
3. Organizing the gold weather test detachment in Ladd Field, 1943.
Library of Congress LC-USW33-053754
4. This A-20 attack bomber sits near the air strip at Alaskan wing's base, 1943.
Library of Congress LC-USW33-053755
5. Alaskan Commander and Russian Commander shaking hands at the Nome air base, 1943.
Library of Congress LC-USW33-053757

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6. A crashed air plane at the Air Transport Command in Nome, Alaska, 1943.
Library of Congress LC-USW33-053758
7. Another wrecked plane near the Air Transport Command in Nome, 1943.
Library of Congress LC-USW33-053759
8. Radio check for this P-39 plane before takeoff to Siberia. 1943.
Library of Congress LC-USW33-053761
9. Another A-20 plane getting ready to head off to Siberia, 1943.
Library of Congress LC-USW33-053764
10. Russian and Alaskan Commanders meet in Fairbanks to dine at Ladd Field, 1944.
Library of Congress LC-USW33-053756

Which photo do you find most interesting? Share any stories you have from the time period in the comments.

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