Alaska Veterans Museum: Talk about Perseverance and Survival!
From the “People’s Paper” of the Matsu Valley. A free monthly newspaper written entirely by Alaskans. There is no paid writers — just real stories, ideas, and opinions from your community. It’s a place to connect, create, and express yourself. Got something to say? Send in your article.
Contributed by Col Suellyn Wright Novak, USAF retired
Seward’s Folly or Seward’s Icebox, as the United States viewed Alaska, was largely unexplored, and therefore, an unknown. The old Russian maps were accurate along the coast, but move inland and they were only guesses, with mountains where there were none and misplaced rivers or lakes. Leave it to the Army to take on the exploration of the US’s new territory.
In 1885, US Army Lieutenant Henry T. Allen and two other soldiers, SGT Cady Robertson of the US Cavalry, and PVT Frederick Firckett of the Signal Corps, and two civilian prospectors, Peder (Pete) Johnson and John Bremner. Various Groups of native guides also assisted.
The first goal was to ascend the Copper River. Other groups had tried, but there was no significant information gathered. LT Allen and his party was out to rectify that. He was also to explore the Tanana River, which was virtually unknown outside of the locals.
In a trip of nearly 1,600 miles, his team explored and mapped over 1,200 miles of previously unknown territory. LT Allen also mapped almost 800 miles of the Chitina and Koyukuk Rivers. The team collected geographic data of the interior; this was looking at those aspects of terrain, flora, and fauna with an impact of military operations. How much forage would there be for horses and mules? And could a military force sustain itself off the land?
This harrowing tale of near starvation, desertion of guides, loss of boats, canoes and other transportation and more, took place from last March to early Sep 1885.
These hardy explorers traveled from near Cordova up to what is not Bettles. The US government allotted $2,000 for this effort, but the soldiers and civilians had to live off the land
Due to weather and herd movements etc., they often had to eat carrion and moose scraps. Snowshoe hares were a staple, as the salmon were not running when they went through. Guides feared starvation and deserted. The team traveled 1,500 river-valley miles and suffered greatly from scurvy due to no vegetables nor citrus fruit.
Many times, the Natives saved them, and LT Allen greatly admired their skills. He, like LT Billy Mitchell adopted their foods, dress, and transportation.
Come see our new exhibit and hear the whole story! Alaska Veterans Museum, Mon-Sat 10AM -5PM, 411 W. 4th Ave, Suite 201, Anchorage (Inside the bright yellow Sunshine Building).