March 27

On March 27, 1975, work commenced on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System to carry crude oil from Prudhoe Bay to the ice-free port of Valdez. The ambitious project traversed mountain ranges, permafrost fields, and seismic zones, requiring innovative engineering solutions like elevated sections and sliding supports. Over 20,000 workers were employed at the project’s peak, dramatically transforming Alaska’s economy. Environmental protests and legal battles delayed construction, but the pipeline ultimately bolstered US energy security. The pipeline’s operation spurred revenue for the state and funded public services through the Alaska Permanent Fund. Today, it stands as one of the world’s largest and most challenging oil pipeline projects.

Inaugurating America’s first modern, rubber-tired metro system, Washington D.C.’s Metro opened its initial 4.6-mile segment on March 27, 1976. The Red Line stretch connected Farragut North to Rhode Island Avenue, featuring five stations equipped with escalators and automated announcements. This milestone marked a new era of urban transit aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the capital. Early ridership exceeded expectations, demonstrating public enthusiasm for reliable, air-conditioned rail travel. The system’s success spurred ongoing expansion across multiple lines and boroughs. Today, the Metro remains a backbone of the Washington metropolitan area’s transportation network.