Centennial Classic Arms Alaskan Statehood Special Edition Gun




				When Secretary of State William H. Seward signed the agreement in 1867 to purchase 586,000 square miles of tundra, mountains and vast forest, people called it "Sewards Folly". What would become known as Alaska had a long and rocky road ahead of it to statehood. In 1884 the First Organic Act was passed by Congress bringing law to Alaska, providing judges and marshals to a lawless territory. In 1897 Gold was discovered in the Klondike bringing over 300,000 people to Alaska by 1900, and leading to the dicovery of gold at Fairbanks and Ester. Congress approved the Alaska railroad in 1900, which would provide a means of transportaion and

		shipping between Seward and Fairbanks, not to mention one of the most scenic railroads in America today. the Second Organic Act of 1912 made Alaska an official territory with an elected legislature of 8 senators and 16 house members. However anything it did was subject to the approval of congress. In 1916 Alaska's first statehood bill was introduced in Congress, but failed due to the lack of intrest on the part of Alaskans. This would lead to 40 years of pillaging Alaska's resources by outside interests. The U.S. Maritime Act of 1920, sponsored by a Washington state congressman, forced all shipping through Seattle. Companies like Alaska Steamship Company and Northland Transportation enjoyed a stranglehold on shipping and travel while charging exorbitant rates. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1942 it became important to build an overland route to supply Alaska. The 1500 mile route was completed in an astonishing 8 months and 12 days. By 1946 the drive for statehood was gaining popularity. In 1946 Alaskans passed a referendum in favor of statehood and a statehood committee was formed in 1949 and 1950 brought the passage of statehood bill in the House only to be killed in the Senate over concerns that Alaska would bring democratic representation to Congress overturning the narrow republican majority. But Alaskans were determined to achieve statehood and in 1955 a Constitutional Convention was held at the University of Alaska - Fairbanks and in 1956 the resulting Constitution was overwhelmingly accepted by Alaskans . It would take two more years and much lobbying by Senator E.L. "Bob" Bartlett to accomplish the task. In 1958 congress voted to make Alaska the 49th state. On January 3, 1959 President Eisenhower signed into law the Alaskan Statehood Act. Little did the world know that Alaska would become the crowning jewel of America. Join us as we celebrate the Golden Anniversary of Alaska's Statehood. Our Special Edition Marlin 1895 Guide Gun serves as a proud symbol of your history and heritage. Each fully functioning firearm is individually numbered and intricately engraved on the receiver, barrel, and stock. Only 250 Alaska Statehood Golden Anniversary Guns will be produced. They are offered on a first come, first serve basis. This is a unique opportunity to own what will surely become a cherished piece of your family history that you (and your children or grandchildren) can display with pride. These are memorable gifts that demostrate to someone that they are a remarkable and important part of your life or business. RETURN TO ALASKAN STATEHOOD RIFLE SPECIAL EDITION PAGE

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