He had no money and no job prospects on the horizon.So, in 1929, during the Great Depression, he was able to sneak on board the SS Aleutian steamship, headed for Seward, Alaska.Once in Seward, he made his way to Anchorage, where he found work, driving a delivery truck for Standard Oil.Later, he began a fur trading business using dog teams and chartered planes to reach remote Alaska villages.And it was his fur trading company that led him to the aviation business.

Meet Linious “Mac” McGee

But he never learned to fly because he was more interested in business and organization than he was in aviation.

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How it Began

In 1931, McGee partnered with an Alaska Bush pilot named Harvey W. Barnhill.The two purchased a three-seat Stinson aircraft and began Barnhill and McGee Airways in Anchorage.About a year later, in 1932, McGee bought out Barnhill’s share of the company. Then, after purchasing another Stinson aircraft, McGee started McGee Airways. It was one of the first air services in Anchorage.Over the next two years, McGee Airways grew into a fleet of seven Stinson aircraft.With all the same planes, McGee reasoned that they could interchange parts, which would make it easier to maintain flight schedules.

1934

McGee sold his airline to Anchorage-based Star Air Service, but stayed on as the manager for several years.

1937

He later decided to get out of aviation altogether.By this time, McGee was involved in the mining industry and later retired at the age of 73.

Star Air Service became Star Airlines

Then, in 1942, Star Airlines was sold, and the name was changed to Alaska Star Airlines.

The Beginning of Alaska Airlines

Photo by Harley D. NygrenIn the picture above is a 1949 Alaska Airlines DC-3In 1944, the company, which began as McGee Airways, was renamed for the last time. The new name is Alaska Airlines.Yes, Alaska Airlines came about because of a 1929 stowaway named Linious “Mac” McGee, who came to Anchorage, Alaska, seeking a new life and opportunity in the Last Frontier.

BONUS

You can learn more about Linious “Mac” McGee and Alaska aviation history.Take a look at McGee Airways: The Story Of Alaska Airlines… and discover.

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