Old Main School Building

The original public school building that was built at this location in 1906 burned down in 1932. The “fireproof” steel and concrete replacement was completed in 1934 and was the most modern school facility in the Terri­tory of Alaska. It was the only public school in Fairbanks until 1951, the focus of much com­munity social activity. Additional classrooms were added in 1939 and 1948. Fairbanks school children attended classes at “Main School” from 1934 until 1976, when the building was converted to administrative of­fices. The building is part of the community’s heritage and symbol of the gold rush commu­nity’s commitment to education. Since 1996, the building has been the seat of Fairbanks’ city government.