1912: Territory of Alaska gains congressional delegate
The Organic Act of 1912 renames the District of Alaska the Territory of Alaska. This status gives Alaska representation in the federal government through a congressional delegate. It also establishes a territorial legislature, but restricts it from management of land, fishing, and hunting. Alaska Natives do not have the vote, and cannot participate in elections.
- Theme
- Federal-Tribal Relations
- Region
- Arctic, Northwest Coast, Subarctic
James Wickersham, 1910, Alaska's non-voting delegate to the House of Representatives, U.S. Congress
Courtesy Alaska State Library Photograph Collection
Article from the Fairbanks News, March 17, 1909, about the seating of James Wickersham in the U.S. House of Representatives; Wickersham served seven terms as Alaska’s non-voting delegate to Congress.
Courtesy Alaska State Library, Wickersham State Historic Sites Photograph Collection