Walter J. Hickel

Walter Joseph “Wally” Hickel (1919–2010) was an Alaska businessman and politician who served twice as governor of Alaska (1966–1969 and 1990–1994) and as U.S. Secretary of the Interior from 1969 to 1970. He built Anchorage’s Hotel Captain Cook and was governor when oil was discovered at Prudhoe Bay in 1968 [1].

Business Career

Hickel worked in construction and ran a construction company founded in 1947, developing residential subdivisions, shopping centers and hotels after World War II. He chaired the Hickel Investment Company and built the Hotel Captain Cook in Anchorage, which opened in 1965 after the 1964 earthquake, with towers added in 1972 and 1978 [1].

First Term as Governor

He defeated incumbent Bill Egan in 1966 and served as governor from December 5, 1966, to January 29, 1969, resigning to become Interior Secretary. The 1968 discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay occurred during this term, and construction of a 400-mile road from Livengood to Prudhoe Bay, later known as the Hickel Highway, began in November 1968 [1].

Secretary of the Interior

The Senate confirmed him on January 23, 1969, and he served under President Nixon from January 24, 1969, until November 25, 1970. He was dismissed after a letter criticizing the administration’s Vietnam War policy. He was described as a moderate Republican and environmentalist in the post [1].

Second Term as Governor

In 1990 he ran as the Alaskan Independence Party nominee, with Jack Coghill as lieutenant governor, and won the general election. He served from December 3, 1990, to December 5, 1994, and rejoined the Republican Party in April 1994 [1].

Later Activity

In 1991 he proposed a water pipeline from Alaska to California. He was a key proponent of Alaska statehood and remained politically active until his death on May 7, 2010, aged 90. He is buried at Anchorage Memorial Park, standing up and facing Washington, D.C., as he had often said he wanted [1]. See the entries on Alaska statehood and Alaska oil and gas.

FAQs

Who was Wally Hickel? A two-term governor of Alaska and U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

What did he build in Anchorage? The Hotel Captain Cook, which opened in 1965.

What is the Hickel Highway? A 400-mile road begun in 1968 from Livengood toward Prudhoe Bay.

When was he Interior Secretary? From January 24, 1969, to November 25, 1970.

Which party did he run under in 1990? The Alaskan Independence Party.

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Wally Hickel

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue