This Week in Alaskan History: On June 20, 1923 President Warren Harding became the first US president to visit Alaska and Canada. His trip was called the Voyage of Understanding. He sought to gain first-hand knowledge of the problems that faced Alaskans and to develop the resources of Alaska.
The Voyage of Understanding
President Warren Harding initiated his visit to Alaska in 1923 because he felt Washington could never understand the problems Alaskans faced if they only saw them on paper. Harding wanted to help with the solutions to the problems faced by Alaskans. Furthermore, he wanted to develop Alaska’s resources. At the time, the two month long “Voyage of Understanding” marked the first visit made by a U.S. president to Alaska and Canada.
The Voyage of Understanding’s Outcome
One outcome of the Harding’s trip: it created a new policy that both protected and wisely used Alaska’s natural resources. Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover accompanied Harding on his visit to Alaska. Hoover had an interest in Alaskan fisheries as they were Alaska’s primary industry.
Documentation of The Voyage of Understanding
Hoover’s assistant William Mullendore documented Harding’s visit to Alaska in a journal and in letters to his wife. He gave nearly daily accounts of the Harding party and their activities during their visit to Alaska.
At the Hoover Museum, Mullendore’s writings ultimately created the exhibit Alaska and the Voyage of Understanding. The exhibit opened on January 23, 2016 and was on display until March 27, 2016.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Info Source: Hoover.Blogs.Archives.Gov
Photo Source: Unsplash
