Facts About Fairbanks
- Fairbanks is the largest city in the interior region of Alaska and the second-largest city in the state after Anchorage.
- The city is named after Charles W. Fairbanks, a former United States Vice President.
- Fairbanks is known as the “Golden Heart City” due to its location in the heart of Alaska and its friendly residents.
- Fairbanks is situated on the banks of the Chena River, which runs through the city.
- According to the 2020 Census, the city proper has a population of 32,515 people, while the Fairbanks North Star Borough has a population of 95,655, making it Alaska’s second most populated metropolitan area behind Anchorage.
- Captain E. T. Barnette founded Fairbanks in August 1901 while on his way to Tanacross to establish a trading post.
- Fairbanks experiences extreme temperatures, with winters being very cold and summers being relatively warm. It holds several temperature records for both high and low temperatures in the state.
- The city is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including the nearby Chena Hot Springs and the Aurora Ice Museum.
- Fairbanks is host to the Yukon Quest, an international 1,000-mile sledge dog race regarded as one of the most difficult in the world. Every year, the event alternates between Fairbanks, Alaska, and Whitehorse, Yukon, for its starting and finishing places.
- Fairbanks is a popular destination for viewing the northern lights (aurora borealis) due to its location within the auroral oval.
- The University of Alaska Fairbanks, a renowned research university, is located in the city.
- The city has a total area of 32.7 square miles, of which 31.9 square miles are land and 0.8 square miles are water, according to the United States Census Bureau.
- Fairbanks has a diverse population, with influences from Alaska Native cultures, gold rush settlers, military personnel, and more.
- Fairbanks, located in the heart of the Tanana Valley, stretches across the Chena River, harmoniously merging with the Tanana River at their meeting point.
- The city has a rich history related to gold mining. It played a significant role in the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1800s and early 1900s.
- Fairbanks is home to the famous “Discovery Claim,” the spot where gold was first discovered in the Fairbanks area in 1902.
- The Alaska Pipeline, which transports crude oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez, passes through Fairbanks.
- Fairbanks serves as the headquarters for Doyon, Limited, a prominent company in the oil services industry.
- Fairbanks is a hub for various outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, skiing, snowboarding, and dog sledging.
- The city hosts several annual events, such as the Midnight Sun Festival, which celebrates the summer solstice, and the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics, showcasing indigenous sports and cultural events.
- Fairbanks is the coldest large city in the United States of America, with normal monthly mean temperatures ranging from negative 8.3 degrees Fahrenheit in January to 62.9 degrees Fahrenheit in July.
- Fairbanks is known for its strong sense of community and its active volunteer organizations.
- The city has a lively arts and cultural scene, with museums, galleries, theatres, and a symphony orchestra.
- Fairbanks was incorporated in 1903, however, it first appeared on the 1910 United States of America Census.
- Fairbanks has a subarctic climate, characterized by long, cold winters and short, warm summers.
- The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) Visitors Center, located in Fairbanks, offers exhibits and information about the oil industry and the pipeline.
- Fairbanks is twinned with the following sister cities: Erdenet, Mongolia; Fanano, Italy; Pune, India; Tainan, Taiwan; Yakutsk, Russia & Yellowknife, Canada.
- Fairbanks is a gateway to many national parks and wilderness areas, including Denali National Park and Preserve, which is home to North America’s highest peak, Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley).
- The Tanana Valley State Fair, held annually in Fairbanks, is the oldest fair in Alaska and showcases local agriculture, livestock, entertainment, and rides.
- Fairbanks held the 2014 Arctic Winter Games from March 15 to 22, 2014.
Fast Fairbanks Facts
| Fairbanks City Information | |
| Named for | Charles W. Fairbanks |
| Founded by | Elbridge Truman Barnette |
| Incorporated | November 10, 1903 |
| Population Estimation | 32,107 |
| Median Family Income | $78,321 |
| Elevation | 446 ft (136 m) |
| Time zone | UTC−9 (AKST) |
| State | Alaska |
| Borough | Fairbanks North Star |
