Alaska: Saga of a Bold Land

by Walter R. Borneman

Considering the hordes of the unprepared that had flocked to Alaska during the gold rush, selection standards were quite rigorous. Families were chosen from active county relief rolls. Those of Scandinavian or at least northern European stock were given preference because again they were deemed better adapted to northern climates. The targeted age group was twenty-five to thirty-five, although this was extended in some special circumstances—usually applicants with younger wives. There could be no record of chronic illness in the family, and adults were required to have at least an elementary school education. High school was desirable. Once past these requirements, selected families were given background checks by the state social services divisions. Imagine if some of these standards had been applied to other Alaskan immigrants over the years! In return, the lucky few were to be provided with forty acres, a house, and transportation from their point of origin to Palmer, Alaska—all on easy thirty-year terms.