Point 1: Alaska Building

Architect: Howard Galloway
Funded By: United States government
On Site Now: area north of Cunningham Hall and Johnson Annex
The Alaska Building was a commanding structure that covered 36,000 square feet of land. This was the Northern Empire's first building in any exposition. Its exhibits showcased the tremendous the territory had to offer, not the least of which was gold. One of the more eye-catching displays featured more than $1 million in gold nuggets, dust, and ingots inside a heavily fortified case. At the end of each day, the entire cage was lowered through the floor to an underground vault accessible only by tunnel. Much of Alaska's wildlife was on display, either taxidermized or in the form of fur pelts. Hungry visitors enjoyed the fish-canning exhibit, where a free dainty lunch was handed out, made from a different salmon recipe every day. Other exhibits included information about the territory's timber, whaling, mining, and burgeoning petroleum industries. Steamship and railroad companies were well-represented, and many of these organizations urged people to travel north, perhaps to buy land or set up a business. Another exhibit highlight was a large collection of artwork, most notably by native women.

The Alaska Building was demolished after the fair.

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