The famed Alaska Highway, formerly known as the AL-CAN or Alaska-Canada Highway, celebrated its 70th birthday in 2012. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in December of 1941, the highway was constructed in mere months as the U.S. government worked feverishly to shore up the nation’s defenses. Construction crews working from the northern and southern ends of the route met up in September of 1942, and the highway was immediately put to use as a supply route to move military equipment and personnel to strategic defensive positions in Alaska.

The 1,387-mile highway was opened to the public in 1948, and while it was once a rough and unforgiving road, it is now paved all the way through and offers access to some of North America’s most spectacular natural areas. Each year, thousands of RVers, motorcyclists and other motorists take the Ultimate North American Road Trip to Alaska along the Alaska Highway.

for more information on the ultimate North American roadtrip visit North to Alaska

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