16 Things You’ll Remember If You Grew Up In The 80s In Alaska

As the 49th state, the largest state in the U.S., the state with the most record-breaking natural wonders, and so much more, the history of Alaska is pretty unique. In particular, the 1980s were filled with milestones and tragedies in the Last Frontier. From the PFD hype to the Alaska time zone going into effect and the drinking age moving from 18 to 21 years of age to everything in between. The oil boom went through the roof and tumbled through the floor right in front of our eyes, seemingly overnight. Alaska in the 80s was a wild ride, and this decade will forever go down as one of the most memorable in Alaska's history.

1. The spooky ghost stories at this historic downtown Anchorage Hotel were just starting to make the circulations.

This hotel has truly survived the test of time.

2. These crazy outdoor phone booths were all the rage.

3. There was a horrendous Exxon/Valdez oil spill in 1989 that spilled 11 million gallons into Prince William Sound.

4. In 1988, efforts to rescue two whales caught by ice off the town of Barrow captured worldwide attention.

5. Oil peaked in 1982 at $34/barrel and the city was flooded with lower 48ers and people coming to Alaska to “get rich.”

6. And then, in the mid-1980s, when oil dropped and a depression began. Anchorage lost 30,000 people in population and abandoned buildings could be found everywhere.

7. Those fancy tour buses that we’re accustomed to seeing so frequently in the summer certainly didn’t have all the bells and whistles that they do today.

8. It’s impossible to forget when the drinking age was raised from 19 to 21 in 1983.

9. The insane ‘crab rush’ that happened in Dutch Harbor and many areas of Alaska.

10. And, when the crab stocks were so low that almost all commercial crab fishing was cancelled in 1983.

11. When Alaska purchased the Alaska Railroad from the government in 1985.

12. When 1982/1983 rolled around and ‘Alaska Standard Time’ became the new time zone (except the western Aleutians), one hour west of Pacific Standard Time.

13. The beloved Gwennie’s Old Alaskan Restaurant was the best watering hole in town and just started becoming the historic landmark that it is today.

14. It’s impossible to forget Anchorage's local ‘butcher baker’ who preyed on exotic dancers, hunting them in the woods.

15. When a new bill was passed governing subsistence hunting and fishing.

16. When the Alaska Legislature increased the Permanent Fund share of oil revenues from 25 to 50 percent and PFD became the hottest topic in the last frontier.

Of course, these were only a few of the headlines we saw back in the 1980s! Growing up in Alaska, no matter the decade, comes with its fair share of challenges and rewards. But the 80s in Alaska certainly had a few extra notable events and milestones under their belt.

What else do you remember from the 1980s? Do you have any fond memories of growing up in Alaska that you could share?

Speaking of the 1980s, this airport in Alaska has a dark and evil history that will never be forgotten. But you'll also find plenty of other spots that are loaded with history as well.