Emergency Relief Administration Chose Matanuska Valley, Alaska

by | Sep 15, 2021


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.

palmer Alaska

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.

rental cottages near Anchorage Alaska

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!

linda signature

Stay-in-Alaska-Pine-Rental-Cottage
Adventure-vacation-packages-Alaska

Fantastic!

What a great place! Everything you need and very well designed. Great amount of counter space 👌. The views out the front window and deck are fantastic. – Mike H.

Highly Recommended!

This place is wonderful! The view of the mountain range is excellent and the spot is secluded if your looking to wind down. Highly recommended if you are wanting to adventure in the Palmer-Wasilla area. The cottage was clean and the bed was comfortable. The owner left milk, a few eggs, coffee, oatmeal and snacks for us. It was a nice surprise. – Courtney D.

Linda Cox

With a bachelors in Social Work, Linda is 60 years old, happily married with eight children and has been living with Multiple Sclerosis since 1995. Linda’s unexpected path in life has led to her helping others choose happiness in their own realities. Linda thoroughly enjoys getting to know guests from all over the world, staying at Alaska Backcountry Cottages!