When it comes to business and industry, the city of Anchorage has an interesting history as well as dozens of different opportunities today. If you have an Anchorage zip code and want to learn more about the city and what it has to offer, or even if you are just curious, we have put together some important information about the development of Anchorage on the industrial front.

Foundation

When you think Alaskan cities, you probably think natural resources. The majority of cities in the state have mining or fishing activity as their first, and still most important, industries. However, this is not the case with anchorage.

Instead, Anchorage grew to become the largest city in the state after its roots were founded in the transportation industry. A major railroad was constructed through the area in 1913, which served as the source of all jobs for many years. Of course, entrepreneurs could make a living off of the men who worked the railroad and the depot with some used woodworking machinery and a few good marketing strategies, but the railway still served to provide the money for these endeavors.

During the Cold War, Alaska became a major focus of the United States and its allies. One Canadian trade mark, firm in manner, was to suggest that its citizens could well help prevent a Russian invasion through Alaska, thanks to their conditioning to colder climates such as the cities. The railroad again proved useful as a military transportation route. In turn, this led to the creation of several airfields and ports in the city, in turn leading to massive growth and economic development.

Oil was discovered in the late 1960s, kicking off yet another economic expansion for Anchorage. Rigs with their counterweights and pumps were soon seen dotting the coastline, and much of the product was shipped through Anchorage.

Today, the history of the city as far as business and industry still centers around transportation and oil. All of the oil extracted and refined in the far north of the US is shipped to and through Anchorage; the vacuum trucks and other vehicles needed to operate the industry are shipped and serviced there. Almost all of the major US based petroleum companies have a corporate presence in downtown Anchorage, with their logos visible on sky rises in the middle of the city.

Of course, the Information Age has meant that there is more diversity in Anchorage than ever before. An online collaboration tool can help an employee in Anchorage complete a business project with a co-worker thousands of miles away in New York. Many of the city's main industries have taken advantage of this technological age to further their operations in Alaska.

And of course, the service and tourist sectors in Anchorage continue to thrive and provide employment for thousands of citizens in the city. Several major cruise lines and vacation planning businesses operate out of the city, bringing in millions of dollars each and every year.

This article is kindly sponsored by Wynn Fitness. Thank you for you continuing support.