100 Years of Alaska's Legislature
"From Territorial Days to Today"


1921

Juneau, Alaska

5th Territorial Legislature



Railroad Construction

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Veto of HB 30 Overturned

One bill passed by the 5th Territorial Legislature, House Bill 30, allowed only women to vote on whether females should be required to serve as jurors. The law called for the question to be placed on the ballot for the next general election. The Governor vetoed the bill but his veto was overturned by the Legislature. Although at that time not many women were exercising their right to vote, the majority approved the measure.

Other legislation in 1921 accomplished the following:

  • Established a multi-tiered license tax on fur farming, trapping, and trading in pelts and skins of fur-bearing animals;
  • Purchased the Seward Peninsula Railroad (Nome to Shelton, 86 miles);
  • Enacted comprehensive regulations for coal mines;
  • Allowed voters to indicate to the President their preference for Governor of the Territory, starting in 1924;
  • Provided for the maintenance of public schools; and
  • Appointed a Territorial Mine Inspector.

Beyond the Legislature

Albert Einstein wins the Nobel Prize in physics (1921).

Warren G. Harding takes office as the 29th President of the United States.

The Unknown Soldier is buried in Arlington, Virginia, to represent and honor all the unknown U.S. dead from World War I (1921).

In 1922, the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines opens near Fairbanks with six students, one building, and an annual budget of $30,000. It later becomes the University of Alaska.

The Soviet States merge into the U.S.S.R (1922).

SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
Andrew Nerland

SENATE PRESIDENT
John Sundback