The Federal Government chose Matanuska Valley for one of the Colonist Projects In 1935. The Matanuska Colony was part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal plan to help move the United States out of the Great Depression. It was one of many rural rehabilitation colonies to be established by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA).
At the time of the Colonist Project, Alaska wasn’t even a state, it was a territory.
Two hundred and three families were chosen for the project that were farmers, living in temperatures similar to Alaska; Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
Even though the temperatures were similar, the increased light here is Alaska caused the foliage to develop quickly! In just two weeks, the leaves went from buds to leaves!
I’m sure occasionally the colonists experienced springs similar to this year, very little rain! Even with such little rain, the greening happened!
The families were chosen because of their farming skills and hardiness created by similar work conditions.
Autumn’s leaves dropping happens as quickly as the greening happens!
Alaska Backcountry Cottages were built 84 years after the Matanuska Valley Colonist Project was chosen!
It’s so fun meeting the visitors staying with us at Alaska Backcountry Cottages! I’m happy to hear guests say, I could stay longer! “You won’t want to leave” is our tagline after all!
