Lopp, William Thomas, 1864-1939

Born June 21, 1864, William Thomas Lopp was known to the native whalers and fishermen of Alaska as the "Reindeer Man." A teacher from the midwest, his career in the Arctic north as an educator, an expert in reindeer husbandry, and an explorer spanned 37 years. Lopp began his Alaskan work as a missionary teacher at Cape Prince of Wales on the Bering Strait in 1890. Two years later he became superintendent of the reindeer station at Teller. He educated himself about Eskimo life and during these years worked to protect the Eskimos' livelihood from the encroaching white presence in native fishing grounds. In 1890 Lopp began to teach the Eskimos to become reindeer herdsmen and for the next 34 years he aided and encouraged them to care for the growing herds, thereby assuring them adequate food and income for their families. Lopp established 66 schools, five hospitals and sanitation systems, and increased prosperity in the coastal villages of northern Alaska. He promoted political and commercial independence for all Alaskan natives. However as the political mood of the country moved from support of progressive reforms toward more conservatism Lopp was pressured to resign. His position as Supt. of Native Education for the U.S. Bureau of Education was eliminated when he refused to resign, and he was forced to leave Alaska in 1925. Lopp died on April 10, 1939 in Seattle, Washington.

From the description of William Thomas Lopp papers [microform], 1890-1939. (University of Oregon Libraries). WorldCat record id: 55508375

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