Anchorage Street Name Memories

The pioneers behind the names.

Pictured above is 4th Avenue in Anchorage, Alaska, in the 1940s.

Have you ever wondered how a street got its name? Or who a street was named after?

From around 1915, when the Alaska railroad was being constructed, many people headed to what would become Anchorage, Alaska, in search of a new life.

For some, a street name has given them a permanent place in Anchorage history. A few others may have never been to Anchorage, but they were part of Alaska's history.

Let’s Start with the Glenn Highway

If you head north/northeast out of Anchorage toward Palmer and Wasilla, you find yourself on the Glenn Highway, named after U.S. Army Captain Edwin Glenn.

How About the Seward Highway

One of the most scenic highways in America, the Seward Highway takes you from Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula. The Seward Highway was named after former Secretary of State William H. Seward, who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia in 1867. At that time, Alaska was often called “Seward’s Folly” or “Seward’s Ice Box.”

It wasn’t Always Northern Lights Boulevard

It was named after the famed Northern Lights, but it started with a different name. Before it became Northern Lights Boulevard, it was known as KFQD Road. At that time, the road took you to the studios of KFQD radio, the first radio station in Anchorage and Alaska.

Rabbit Creek Road

The Dena’ina people gave Rabbit Creek its name. And Rabbit Creek Road is named after the creek.

And How About Romig Hill?

This section of Northern Lights Boulevard is sometimes called “Heart Attack Hill” because it’s so steep and challenging when covered with snow or ice.

Romig Hill is named after Dr. Joseph R. Romig, who was known as the dog team doctor, not because he was a veterinarian, but because he traveled by dog team in the Alaska interior.

Yes, You Can Share This Edition

And when you do, your friends and family will be so happy that they will name a street after you.

What About Fireweed Lane?

At one time, this street was lined with those bright red Fireweed plants.

In the photo above is Benny Benson.

Do You Know About Benson Boulevard?

This street honors Benny Benson, the school boy who designed the Alaska Flag.

Let’s go to Bootlegger Cove Drive

In 1915, the Alaska Railroad Commission declared that liquor was banned in the area around Ship Creek that would become Anchorage, Alaska.

Well, just around the bend and out of sight was a cove that became a popular spot for those who distilled “squirrel juice,” otherwise known as “moonshine”, to bring their banned goods to shore. The area later became known as Bootlegger’s Cove.

Then There is Lake Otis Parkway

You wouldn’t know it now, but back in 1919, a local named Otis turned a lake into an Ice Skating rink. The lake was named after him, and the Parkway was named after his lake.

The View of Mountain View Drive

A homesteader named Norman Lang decided to sell off part of his homestead as lots. He named his subdivision “Mountain View” because, well, it has a great view of the mountains. The road was given the same name.

To Bar or Not to Bar Debarr Road

You are welcome to take this one with a grain of salt. In Anchorage folklore, the story goes like this.

An unnamed homesteader became frustrated with Army restrictions on his property. The Army was apparently barring him from doing something. So the homesteader was reportedly heard saying, “First they bar us, then they de-bar us.” Debarr Road is possibly the result of his frustration… or not.

Spenard Road

In 1916, Joe and Edith Spenard came to Anchorage from Valdez. Joe even brought the first vehicle to Anchorage.

Along the way, Joe turned what would become known as Spenard Lake into a resort. But to get there, he needed a road. So he convinced some local Anchorage groups to help him build a sort of road from the new area of Anchorage to his lake. The result is now called Spenard Road.

The Whitneys Have a Road

John and Daisy Whitney first arrived at the mouth of Ship Creek in 1911 from across Cook Inlet in Knik.

Whitney Road is located just below Government Hill, not far from their homestead.

And Talking About Homesteaders

Many roads and streets in Anchorage are named after homesteaders.

Muldoon and Muldoon Road

Arnold Muldoon first arrived in Anchorage in 1939. He homesteaded in an area that was way out of town at that time. That area is now known as Muldoon.

He also built a road of sorts that quickly became known as Muldoon’s Road.

Turpin Street

Near Muldoon Road, you’ll find Turpin Street. Named after Eldrich “Dick” Turpin, who came to Anchorage in 1937, just a couple of years ahead of Arnold Muldoon. His homestead was next to the street that now bears his name.

Bragaw Street

It’s named after Robert Bragaw Jr.

Klatt Road

Named after homesteaders, Lester and Dora Klatt.

DeArmoun Road

This road was named after a homesteader named Harold DeArmoun.

Abbott Road

Homesteader Cecil Abbott was honored with the naming of this road.

Huffman Road

As you might have guessed, this road is named after a homesteader named Vernon Huffman.

Boniface Parkway

And you guessed it, Paul Boniface was also a homesteader.

Have You Ever Shopped at the Dimond Center Mall?

Dimond Boulevard was named after Judge Anthony “Tony” Dimond.

And What About O’Malley Road?

This road is named after a well-thought-of Anchorage doctor, James “Doc” O’Malley.

Dowling Road

This Anchorage road is named after a one-time Anchorage Surveyor named “Bud” Dowling.

Tudor Road

Named after Burl Tudor, who was involved with the Chugach Electric Association.

Baxter Road

This road was named in honor of Dr. William “Bill” Baxter, a local physician, for his contributions to Anchorage.

And Who Was Marijane Street Named After?

Located in the Pennington subdivision of Anchorage, this street was named after our own Mary Jane of Anchorage Memories.

Do you know the origins of other Anchorage, Alaska, roads, streets, or Boulevards? You can send them to us by replying to this email.

From Our North Stars (that’s you)

From our look at the Seward Highway.

Jackie was excited about this:

“Oooo, yeah, Kiddie Land! The roller coaster was small, but still fun. And don't forget McHugh Creek - beautiful place for a picnic!”

A Note from Anchorage Memories:

Jackie, the picture above of Mary of Anchorage Memories with our children, Nikki and Chris, was taken at McHugh Creek. You’re right, it is a fantastic spot for a picnic. What a view.

Connect with Mike and Mary

Do you know the origins of any Anchorage roads we may have missed?

You can easily send us your comments:

You can also reply to this email.

Or, you can Contact Us right here.

Until Next Time

Mike and Mary

Anchorage Memories.com