Near Wasilla in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Father of the Iditarod
Joe Redington, Sr.
— Iditarod Trail Race Headquarters —
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 19, 2013
1. Father of the Iditarod Marker
close up, showing text
Joe Redington, Sr.
Born in Oklahoma, February 1, 1917 • Died in Alaska, June 24, 1999
Joe was an accomplished man; homesteader, big-game guide, bush pilot, commercial fisherman, boat builder, fish-plant manager, and mountain climber. But most of all, he was a man who loved dogs and dog mushing.
After service in the Army during World War II, Joe came to Alaska in 1948 to homestead. Here he established Knik Kennels. Until 1966, he and his dog teams performed search-and-rescue and reclamation work for the Army. In, 1979, Joe mushed a dog team to the summit of Mt. McKinley and showed the world what dogs could do.
Joe’s interest in the old mail route known as the Iditarod Trail led to its declaration as a National Historic Trail. He was the driving force behind the creation of the first Iditarod Trail sled dog Race in 1973 and fought to keep the event alive through its most difficult years. Thanks to his tenacity, the Iditarod has evolved into a thriving, world-renowned event that continues to this day. He will always be remembered as the Father of the Iditarod.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Sports. A significant historical date for this entry is February 1, 1891.
Location. 61° 33.629′ N, 149° 28.751′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Balto (a few steps from this marker); Iditarod Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker).
Also see . . . Wikipedia Entry for Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. “Dorothy G. Page, the chairman of the Wasilla-Knik Centennial Committee, had the original idea to race a portion of the Iditarod Trail. Joe Redington Sr. (named the "Father of the Iditarod" by one of the local newspapers), and his wife Vi were Page’s first true support and, with volunteer support they cleared up a portion of the trail. The first race, known as the Iditarod Trail Seppala Memorial Race in honor of Leonhard Seppala, was held in 1967. The purse of US$25,000 attracted a field of 58 racers, and the winner was Isaac Okleasik. ”
“A ‘Widow’s Lamp’ is lit and remains hanging on the arch until the last competitor crosses the finish line. The tradition is based on the kerosene lamp lit and hung outside a roadhouse, when a musher carrying
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 19, 2013
2. Father of the Iditarod Marker
carved inscription on sculpture
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 19, 2013
3. Father of the Iditarod Marker
sculpture on pedestal above bronze plaque
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 19, 2013
4. Father of the Iditarod Marker
full view of marker
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 19, 2013
5. Father of the Iditarod Marker Site
marker can be seen at extreme left
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 19, 2013
6. Iditarod Trail Museum
marker in foreground, another marker "Balto", to the left. Large log lodge is the museum.
Flickr user ra64 via Wikipedia Commons, March 14, 2007
7. Robert Sørlie's team approaches Nome, 2007
Original caption states “This is at Farley’s camp, about 3 miles east of the Nome finish line.” Musher identified in Flickr tags and photostream as Norwegian Robert Sørlie in the 2007 Iditarod sled dog race.
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 19, 2013
8. Iditarod Museum
sign in parking lot
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 19, 2013
9. Iditarod Trophy
this is what the winner gets "Mush you Huskies!"
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 19, 2013
10. Iditarod Award
names of the winners are enshrined on the award
Photographed By Rev. Ronald Irick, July 19, 2013
11. Iditarod Wall of Fame
pictures of winners, also, first stop for travelers arriving on bus
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2018. It was originally submitted on January 20, 2015, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 950 times since then and 31 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week January 28, 2018. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 20, 2015, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 7. submitted on January 27, 2018, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on January 20, 2015, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
