Alaska historian and author Stephen Haycox died earlier this month at the age of 85.
Many considered Haycox to be Alaska’s leading historian, having penned several books fundamental to understanding the state’s history. That included “Battleground Alaska,” which explored Alaska’s complicated relationship with the federal government, and “Frigid Embrace,” about how natural resource extraction in the state affected residents views of nature and relationships with Alaska Native people.
Haycox also helped start the history program at the University of Alaska Anchorage, and his editorials appeared semi-regularly in the Anchorage Daily News’ opinion pages…