Final Journey

Ever the pioneer, Will Rogers was born in Indian Territory and died in Alaska Territory in 1935.

Will was along for the ride with famed aviator, Wiley Post, to survey a mail-and-passenger air route between the U.S. and Russia, by way of Alaska Territory.

The trip lasted nine days, with the men flying all over Alaska and part of Canada.

On August 15, 1935, Will and Wiley took off from Fairbanks, bound for Barrow, the northern-most settlement in the U.S. After refueling at Harding Lake, Post landed at a lagoon 15 miles southwest of Barrow to get directions. Just after takeoff the engine failed, causing the plane to crash, killing both men instantly.