Elizabeth Tower

Alaska's First Homegrown Millionaire Elizabeth Tower

Alaska's First Homegrown Millionaire is the Life and Times of Cap Lathrop. During half a century in Alaska Cap Lathrop tried, and usually succeeded, in a variety of enterprises helping to assure Alaska's readiness to become a full-fledged member of the United States. He captained a steam schooner; drilled for oil; hauled freight; built apartments and theaters; started banks and radio stations; published a newspaper; served as a city mayor, a state legislator, a university regent, and Republican national committeeman; established a model salmon cannery; developed Alaska's most successful coal mine; and produced a motion picture. So diverse were his activities that each half decade of his long life provides a new story in Alaska's development. His gruff manner scared some people while his warmth charmed many. His final wish, "to die with his boots on," was fulfilled when he died in a Healy River coal mine accident. Cap left assets worth millions, but his personal belongings would scarcely fill a flight bag.