WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - What's in a Name: Anchorage, Alaska's Safe Harbor

Episode Date: November 13, 2025

This week on What's in a Name, host Megan Pidcock discusses the originis and history of Anchorage, Alaska; the most populated city in one of America's most remote states.

Anchorage, Alaska was founded in 1915 as a temporary city when construction on the Alaska Railroad began. Since then, it has become the home to more than 40% of the state's population and is equidistant from Tokyo, New York City, and the North Pole. The name Anchorage comes from the term Anchorage, which means an area that is suitable as a safe harbor for ships. Pre-1915, locals refer to the area as Nick Anchorage because it was a safe place for boats to land, coming to and from the now abandoned town of Nick. After it became an official city, residents held a vote to rename the area. Anchorage actually came in third place behind Alaska City and Lane, but the Postal Service and other government agencies decided for them

when they never changed the city's name in their systems. Now, Anchorage remains true to its meaning, as it's still a safe harbor for ships and cargo planes seeking fuel alike. I'm Megan Pitcock, and this is What's in the Name, on Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM.