Downtown in Fairbanks in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
"The Line"
Historic Fairbanks
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2010
1. "The Line" Marker
Noticeable among the earliest pioneers settling in Fairbanks were prostitutes, women of the demimonde who stampeded to the new Fairbanks gold camp from Dawson, Circle City, Rampart and points beyond. In a city where men far outnumbered women, earnings from prostitution were normally higher than wages for other, more respectable jobs available to women. Still the prostitutes life and work were hard. Pimps and hangers-on lived off some of the women and squandered their money.
Tales of the more prominent ladies are part of Fairbanks folklore. Their generous tips to the neighborhood paperboys and love of dogs were well known. Several demonstrated their generosity by grubstaking prospectors for another seasons work at the creeks, or by supporting community projects. Others became house-wives, quietly blending into community life.
That any building wherein opium is being sold for the purpose of being smoked on or about the premises, or where the same is smoked, shall be considered an opium Den.
Fairbanks City Ordinance, 1913.
Erected by Fairbanks Rotary.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 64° 50.529′ N, 147° 43.226′ W. Marker is in Fairbanks, Alaska, in Fairbanks North Star Borough. It is in Downtown. It is at the intersection of Cushman Street and 4th Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Cushman Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 430 Cushman Street, Fairbanks AK 99701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Alaska Railroad Corridor, in the Athabascan Region, and in Interior Alaska. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cushman Street (here, next to this marker); Fairbanks Public Schools (here, next to this marker); Old City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Federal Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chena River Flood (about 400 feet away); Aviation (about 600 feet away); Fairbanks waterfront, c. 1910 (about 600 feet away); Northern Commercial Company (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairbanks.
More about this marker. This marker is attached to a triangular shaped support with two other markers. The other markers are entitled Cushman Street, and Fairbanks Public Schools.
Additional keywords.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 17, 2024
2. "The Line" Marker
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2010
3. Detail from the marker
View west from Fourth Avenue and Cushman Street shows the wooden fence that shielded the community from the less socially acceptable Fairbanks red light district. In the foreground at left is a working-class hotel and bathhouse which opened in 1906, closed in 1966, and a year later was moved to an historical park off Airport Way.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2010
4. Detail from the marker
In 1906, the Fairbanks City Council restricted the ladies of the night to a small area west of downtown. Small cabins or “cribs,” with the girls names on the doors, lined Third and Fourth avenues between Cushman and Barnette streets. Here Annie Rose and Irene relax outside their crib homes while waiting for callers.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2010
5. Detail from the marker
Displaying their treasures and memorabilia, three women of “the line” show off their tidy living quarters.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 27, 2010
6. Detail from the marker
Although greatly diminished after the early boom years, the trade kept in step with the communitys growth. In 1952 “the line was squashed by the Truman Anti-Crib Law, area redevelopment, and protest from nearby Ladd Air Force Base.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 2,051 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 20, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 2. submitted on September 10, 2024, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 20, 2011, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
