The term institution commonly applies to both informal institutions such as customs or behavior pattern important to a society, and to particular formal institutions created by entities such as the government and public services.
Gold was first discovered in Southeast Alaska in the 1870s. The first discovery was made near Sitka in 1872 and the second was made in 1876 in Windham Bay. These finds followed the discovery of gold nearby in British Columbia in 1861.
Gardening is big in the Interior. [Photo of gold panner is courtesy the University of Alaska Archives; Musher is David Arlan Rogers.] Fairbanks is called The Golden Heart of Alaska, a reference to the character of her people as much as to the location in Alaska's interior, or to the discovery of gold in 1902.airbanks, Alaska Information Site! Fairbanks, Alaska information on activities and events for our visitors and friends. To help you learn more about Fairbanks Alaska & plan your visit to our great state, we have made available here a number of resources.