Facebook Twitter Digg Stumbleupon Yahoo My Web

 
Interesting US History
A Website Devoted to Interesting Events in U.S. History

 

 
 

 

ON THIS DAY IN UNITED STATES HISTORY

November 21, 1942

Alaska Highway Connecting the Continental U.S.
to Alaska is Formally Opened

On this day in 1942, the Alaska Highway passing through Canada to connect Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Delta Junction, Alaska was celebrated. Construction of the highway began shortly after the U.S. entered World War II to link airfields in Canada and Alaska and to provide a military supply route.

Although it was formally opened on November 21, it was actually completed on October 28. The road was originally not suited for civilian traffic, however, after numerous improvements it was finally opened to the public in 1948.