In 1942 the American Airforce established a refuelling airbase for war planes flying from North America to Europe on the shores of Koojessie Inlet.
The base saw little use and was turned over to the Canadian Air Force in 1942. In 1951 the Americans returned and resumed operation of the base as a staging post for materials that were being transferred to Thule Greenland where a large base was being constructed. During this period many Inuit who lived in the area moved closer to the base to help in construction. Using discarded building materials a cluster of homes grew along the shores of the bay.
World War II had demonstrated the strategic importance of the north and after the war there was a period of increased government presence. Weather stations, military bases and the DEW line were built. In 1939 the Supreme Court had ruled that Inuit were entitled to the same health, education and welfare benefits as Indians. In 1953 the Department of Northern Affairs and National Resources was established to ensure that Inuit received these benefits.
In order to effectively deliver government services, communities were established, often near an established trading post. Inuit living in camps in the area were encouraged to move into the communities. A government administrative centre was set up a few miles from the Air Base at Frobisher Bay. A new community with houses, a school and nursing station was constructed in 1955 and 1966. The community was called Apex Hill and is now a subdivision of Iqaluit
All of the Eastern Arctic including Iqaluit was administered directly by the federal government until 1967 when the Northwest Territorial government assumed responsibilities. Iqaluit continued as the regional administrative centre for the Territorial government.
On April 1 of 1999 it became the capital of the new Territory of Nunavut.I qaluit's population is now close to 5000 and growing rapidly in order to provide services and office spaces for the legislative assembly and associated government departments.
