Alaska

Alaska

Alaska is a state located in the northwest extremity of the United States. It is bordered by Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the south and west. Alaska is the largest state in the United States by area and is known for its diverse terrain of open spaces, mountains, and forests, with abundant wildlife and many small towns.

History

Alaska was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. The first European contact came in 1741 when Vitus Bering led an expedition for the Russian Empire. In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, a transaction that became known as "Seward's Folly."

Russian America

During the period of Russian control, Alaska was known as Russian America. The Russian-American Company managed the territory, focusing on the fur trade. The Russian Sloop-of-War Neva was one of the ships that played a role in the exploration and trade in the region.

The Russian Sloop-of-War Neva

American Purchase

The purchase of Alaska was negotiated by William H. Seward, the United States Secretary of State. The acquisition was initially unpopular in the United States, but it proved to be a valuable addition due to its natural resources.

Gold Rush

The discovery of gold in the late 19th century brought a rush of prospectors to Alaska. The Klondike Gold Rush and the subsequent Nome Gold Rush were significant events that contributed to the population growth and economic development of the region.

Miners climb the Chilkoot Trail during the Klondike Gold Rush

World War II

During World War II, Alaska was the site of the Aleutian Islands Campaign, where Japanese forces occupied the islands of Attu and Kiska. The Battle of Attu was a significant conflict in this campaign.

U.S. troops at the Battle of Attu

Statehood

Alaska became the 49th state of the United States on January 3, 1959. The admission of Alaska as a state was marked by the raising of the 49-star flag.

Alaskan Senators with the 49-star flag

Geography

Alaska is known for its vast and diverse geography. It is home to Denali, the highest peak in North America, and the Aleutian Islands, which stretch into the Pacific Ocean.

Denali, the highest peak in North America

Climate

The climate of Alaska varies widely from the temperate rainforests of the southeast to the arctic conditions of the north. The state experiences long, cold winters and short, mild summers.

Natural Resources

Alaska is rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and minerals. The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 was a major environmental disaster that highlighted the risks associated with oil extraction and transportation.

Oil from the Exxon Valdez spill

Economy

The economy of Alaska is driven by the oil and gas industry, fishing, and tourism. The state has no state sales tax or personal income tax, relying heavily on revenues from oil production.

Major Cities

Anchorage

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, serving as the economic and cultural center of the state.

Anchorage, Alaska

Fairbanks

Fairbanks is the largest city in the interior region of Alaska and is known for its proximity to the Arctic Circle.

Aerial view of Fairbanks, Alaska

Related Pages

• History of Alaska
• Geography of Alaska
• Economy of Alaska
• Culture of Alaska

Gallery

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  Alaska area compared to the conterminous United States

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  Aleutian Islands with the 180th meridian and International Date Line

Alaska

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  Russian Sloop-of-War Neva

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  Miners climb Chilkoot

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  US troops at the Battle of Attu

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  Alaskan Senators with 49 Star Flag

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  Oil Pool From Valdez Spill

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  Alaska area compared to conterminous US

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  Denali Mt McKinley

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  Aleutian Islands with 180th meridian and International Date Line

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  Anchorage

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  Aerial view of Fairbanks Alaska skyline

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  Downtown Juneau with Mount Juneau rising in the background

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  Russian Sloop-of-War Neva

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  Miners climb Chilkoot

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  US troops at the Battle of Attu

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  Alaskan Senators with 49 Star Flag

• 

  Oil Pool From Valdez Spill

• 

  Alaska area compared to conterminous US

• 

  Denali Mt McKinley

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  Aleutian Islands with 180th meridian and International Date Line

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  Anchorage

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  Aerial view of Fairbanks Alaska skyline

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  Downtown Juneau with Mount Juneau rising in the background

Alaska

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  ChangePoint building

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  Anchorage Baptist Temple

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  Heavy-lift melon

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  Monster vegetable display at the Tanana Valley State Fair 2010