Bessie Couture

Bessie Couture born in Virginia, opened the Black and White restaurant in Skagway, Alaska in 1896 during the gold rush. It was the first Alaska business owned by an African American.

Many African Americans first moved to Alaska during the gold rush and then as soldiers. The first African-Americans in Alaska were whalest and other seamen who settled following the Alaska Purchase in 1867. Many came after the 1897 discovery of gold in the Canadian Yukon. The US was in depression and the gold rush was hope. Many stayed after that. In the 4 years during and after the gold rush, there were 158 members of the company of the 24th infantry were stationed at Dyea and Skagway to help preserve laws and order. Many chose to stay in Alaska after.

In the 1940 census, Ms. Couture was listed as head of household and on her last birthday she turned 71; it also indicated she was married. Around this time for occupation it was blank which I'm assuming meant she was retired.

Source: Anchorage Museum Archive