ERIC ED613532: Ninth Annual Report on Introduction of Domestic Reindeer into Alaska, with Maps and Illustrations, 1899

ERIC ED613532: Ninth Annual Report on Introduction of Domestic Reindeer into Alaska, with Maps and Illustrations, 1899

Author: ERIC

Year: 1900

Following a letter of transmittal, this document presents General Agent of Education in Alaska, Sheldon Jackson's ninth annual report on the introduction of reindeer into Alaska. Jackson notes that 1899 saw an unusually large number of employees connected to the herds. The discovery and opening of the Cape Nome gold mines created reindeer transportation demand. Mission herds and the government needed trained reindeer in the vicinity. The federal government's promise to return reindeer borrowed for the 1898 Point Barrow rescue operation to the American Missionary Association Mission and to Eskimo owners involved 934 head. To meet the demand for transporting the animals, Congress appropriated $20,000 to fit out a naval vessel specifically for moving the reindeer from Siberia to Alaska. The U.S. Treasury Department enabled the U.S. revenue cutter Bear to devote time to securing reindeer, and a private firm was contracted for reindeer procurement and delivery. Data breaks out the number, distribution, and ownership of domestic reindeer in Alaska. Appropriations and expenditure data are included. Jackson discusses reindeer usefulness for carrying mail, U.S. troops, and packing. Jackson