The early history of Alaska was shaped by the exploitation of the territory’s vast natural resources, mainly gold. But it was the discovery of commercial oil deposits, first in the Kenai-Cook Inlet area and later on the Arctic slope, that dramatically upped the stakes and changed the character of the State forever. The Trans Alaska Pipeline Authorization Act of 1973 was signed into law by President Nixon on November 16, 1973. Construction could now begin on one of the largest human endeavors ever attempted.