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Place Name
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Fairbanks
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Place Status (Type)
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city
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Population
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30,843 (1990)
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Location
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Alaska, United States, North America
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Latitude
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64°50'N
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Longitude
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147°39'W
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Fairbanks
, city (1990 pop. 30,843), E central Alaska, on the
Chena R. near its confluence with the Tanana; 64°50'N 147°39'W.
Lying SW of the trans-Alaskan oil pipeline from the Prudhoe Bay fields
to Valdez, Fairbanks's economic mainstay is govt., mining, tourism,
oil business; some farming; light mfg.; lumbering. The 1974-1977
construction of oil pipeline and Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay brought
boom to area. Gold was discovered in 1902, and Fairbanks grew rapidly
as a mining camp. The building of the Alaskan RR allowed significant
access to the city from Seward and Anchorage. Fort Wainwright and
Eielson Air Force Base are central to the area's development. NW
terminus of Richardson and Alaska highways from Dawson Creek, B.C. S
terminus of Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay. Univ. of Alaska-Fairbanks is
at College. Dog-sled races are a popular annual event, including the
Yukon Quest. Of notable interest is “Alaskaland,” a 40
acres/16 ha local site that includes a Gold Rush town,
mining, a mus., art galleries, and a theater. Creamers Field Wildlife
Refuge. Fairbanks North Star borough has 80,000 people. Inc. 1903.
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