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Born out of safety concerns and needs created by World War II, building the Alaska Highway, also known as the Alcan Highway, was a tremendous challenge. Construction of the highway began in April 1942, but the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encountered great difficulties. The deadline is to complete it before the start of winter. Mud, muskrats, mosquitoes. permafrost. If heavy equipment does not arrive on time, trees and shrubs will have to be cut down by hand. and the often surprising and difficult weather of the far north.
An August 1942 Time magazine article noted the Roosevelt administration’s focus on highways, calling it “…a mission worthy of Paul Bunyan…and an essential part of the war effort.” . But despite all the challenges they faced in building the highway, his more than 10,000 soldiers working with the Corps of Engineers succeeded in their mission. At 4 p.m. on October 25, 1942, the last gap in the planned highway was filled. This achievement is yet another reminder of why those who struggled, fought and sacrificed in the face of the many challenges of World War II are known as the Greatest Generation.
Today, the Alaska Highway is a peaceful and scenic route that brings thousands of travelers to Delta Junction from Canada, the Lower 48, and beyond. Delta Junction is officially designated as the “end of the highway” at milepost 1422 and is a destination. The Delta Junction Visitor Center is where travelers take photos at the end of the highway milepost marker. Unfortunately, the sign has deteriorated beyond repair and will be removed in November 2023.
A small group of volunteers working in conjunction with the Alaska Farm Bureau Delta Junction Branch, which operates the visitor center, and the city of Delta Junction has begun a project to install a new Milepost 1422 marker based on the original design. However, we use newer, more durable materials. Delta Junction High School’s welding and fabrication class will build the frame for the sign. The goal is to have the Milepost 1422 marker constructed and installed in time for this year’s tourist season.
We need your help to fund this historic community project. No donation is too small. All donations will be accepted, stored and processed through the City of Delta Junction. Monetary donations can be made by check payable to the City of Delta Junction, Memo: Milepost Sign.
Donations can be mailed to PO Box 229, Delta Junction, AK 99737 or dropped off at City Hall, 2288 Deborah Street.
An information board will be added to the visitor center identifying the project sponsors. On behalf of the Delta Junction community, thank you for supporting this project.
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