The history of Alaska is very rich and varied. Much of its settlement and expansion was due to the discovery of the many resources found there, such as oil and gold. Less than a tenth of the land has been developed, and nearly half of the Yukon River flows through the state boundaries. It is known for its national parks, wildlife refuges and wilderness beauty.
The native population dates back thousands of years when Asian people crossed the Bering Land Bridge to settle in the western region. These native people still live and work here and continue their ancestral lifestyle. In 1971, the Native Claims Settlement Act was passed, giving native Alaskans large amounts of land and capital. Today, the public lands are places where visitors go to connect with their past and learn about traditional cultures.
Fur trappers from Russia were the first white men to settle here, seeking otter and beaver furs. The American government agreed to buy the territory in 1874 from the Russians. They paid only two cents per acre or a total of about 8 million US dollars. Nevertheless, the American public felt it was a waste of funds. They ridiculed the purchase, calling it Stewards Icebox, after the-then Secretary of State, Mr. James Steward.
However, this opinion soon changed when gold was discovered just two years later. The discovery started the first gold rush; later on, the Klondike Gold Rush brought another 100,000 gold-seekers. Although not everyone struck it rich, many people stayed on as homesteaders because the government was offering free land to anyone who would farm the land.
A terrible epidemic of diphtheria took place in Nome in 1925. It was impossible for planes to land there due to the severe weather conditions, so teams of sleds pulled by dogs raced almost 700 miles through hurricane-force weather to bring the needed medicines in just five days time. As a result, heroic dogs like Balto became famous. Today, this historic event is commemorated each year by the well-known Itarod Sled Dog Race.
When the Japanese invaded the Aleutian Islands during WWII, the strategic importance of this string of islands was realized. The Aleutian Islands stretch out in the Bering Strait towards Japan and Russia. At once, work began on the Alaska-Canada Highway in order to transport massive amounts of American troops and provide a strong American military presence.
In 1959, the territory became the forty-ninth state to join the United States. Oil was discovered in Prudhoe Bay about ten years later. As a result, the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline project began, which was completed in 1977. This is one of the largest pipelines in the world and accounts for a quarter of America's total oil production.
The history of Alaska presents a truly varied and fascinating record. In addition to its bevy of natural resources, many people are drawn to the unspoiled natural beauty found here for recreation and tourism. The most convenient way to travel is by air, arriving at Anchorage which is the gateway to this fabulous state. Recently, more and more tourists are opting to travel by cruise ships which provide a lively sea adventure and travel between May and September.
The native population dates back thousands of years when Asian people crossed the Bering Land Bridge to settle in the western region. These native people still live and work here and continue their ancestral lifestyle. In 1971, the Native Claims Settlement Act was passed, giving native Alaskans large amounts of land and capital. Today, the public lands are places where visitors go to connect with their past and learn about traditional cultures.
Fur trappers from Russia were the first white men to settle here, seeking otter and beaver furs. The American government agreed to buy the territory in 1874 from the Russians. They paid only two cents per acre or a total of about 8 million US dollars. Nevertheless, the American public felt it was a waste of funds. They ridiculed the purchase, calling it Stewards Icebox, after the-then Secretary of State, Mr. James Steward.
However, this opinion soon changed when gold was discovered just two years later. The discovery started the first gold rush; later on, the Klondike Gold Rush brought another 100,000 gold-seekers. Although not everyone struck it rich, many people stayed on as homesteaders because the government was offering free land to anyone who would farm the land.
A terrible epidemic of diphtheria took place in Nome in 1925. It was impossible for planes to land there due to the severe weather conditions, so teams of sleds pulled by dogs raced almost 700 miles through hurricane-force weather to bring the needed medicines in just five days time. As a result, heroic dogs like Balto became famous. Today, this historic event is commemorated each year by the well-known Itarod Sled Dog Race.
When the Japanese invaded the Aleutian Islands during WWII, the strategic importance of this string of islands was realized. The Aleutian Islands stretch out in the Bering Strait towards Japan and Russia. At once, work began on the Alaska-Canada Highway in order to transport massive amounts of American troops and provide a strong American military presence.
In 1959, the territory became the forty-ninth state to join the United States. Oil was discovered in Prudhoe Bay about ten years later. As a result, the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline project began, which was completed in 1977. This is one of the largest pipelines in the world and accounts for a quarter of America's total oil production.
The history of Alaska presents a truly varied and fascinating record. In addition to its bevy of natural resources, many people are drawn to the unspoiled natural beauty found here for recreation and tourism. The most convenient way to travel is by air, arriving at Anchorage which is the gateway to this fabulous state. Recently, more and more tourists are opting to travel by cruise ships which provide a lively sea adventure and travel between May and September.
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