The midpoint construction headquarters was Anchorage, and by July of 1915, thousands of job seekers and opportunists had poured into the area, living in a tent city on the banks of Ship Creek near the edge of the present downtown. A month later, the town voted to call itself Alaska City, but the Federal government refused to change its name from Anchorage. From 1939 to 1957, major military impacts and government construction of roads, airports and harbors throughout Alaska contributed to the growth of Anchorage. The Port was completed by the early 1960s. The Good Friday earthquake in 1964 destroyed a large part of the city.
Anchorage is a metropolitan city, primarily non-Native, with a history of cultural diversity.
Many residents participate in nearby recreational and subsistence activities. Anchorage has over 162 parks, including 10 large reserves. Recreation facilities include downhill and cross-country skiing, ice hockey rinks, golf, swimming, and camping. The George Sullivan Sports Arena, Alaska Performing Arts Center, Egan Convention Center and many other facilities provide entertainment opportunities. Economy and Transportation Anchorage is the center of commerce for the state.