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.
Asiatic tribes first traveled over the Bering Land Bridge and settled in the western area thousands of years ago. Their descendants still continue to live here and follow their traditional lifestyle. The Native Claims Act was passed in 1971 which gave these native Alaskans land rights and cash settlements. Today, many visitors come to these public lands to learn about their native heritage and original culture.
The first white settlers were Russian fur trappers who came for the costly beaver and otter pelts. In 1874, the American government bought the territory from the Russians for only two cents an acre. At the time, the land purchase was ridiculed as a waste of money. It was called Stewards Folly or Stewards Icebox, after James Steward, who was the Secretary of State who negotiated the deal.
Everyone's thinking about the purchase changed when gold was discovered there in 1876. This sparked the first Alaskan Gold Rush. Later on, the Klondike Gold Rush lured over 100,000 prospectors north to seek their fortunes. Not everyone struck gold, but many stayed especially because the government offered 120 acres of land free to anyone who would become a homesteader.
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.
The Aleutian Islands are a string of islands that stretch out into the Bering Sea towards Japan and Russia. When the Japanese landed there during WWII, everyone immediately recognized the strategic value of the islands. Soon after, work began on the Alaska-Canadian Highway. This highway brought thousands of American troops overland and helped create a significant military presence there.
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 remarkable record, one that is rich and varied. Many business investors flock there to invest in the wide range of natural resources found there, while tourists are attracted by the unspoiled wilderness beauty that still abounds. The quickest way to get there is by plane, arriving at Anchorage which serves as the gateway. Luxury sea cruises are becoming increasingly popular for tourists, especially among those seeking sea adventure.
Asiatic tribes first traveled over the Bering Land Bridge and settled in the western area thousands of years ago. Their descendants still continue to live here and follow their traditional lifestyle. The Native Claims Act was passed in 1971 which gave these native Alaskans land rights and cash settlements. Today, many visitors come to these public lands to learn about their native heritage and original culture.
The first white settlers were Russian fur trappers who came for the costly beaver and otter pelts. In 1874, the American government bought the territory from the Russians for only two cents an acre. At the time, the land purchase was ridiculed as a waste of money. It was called Stewards Folly or Stewards Icebox, after James Steward, who was the Secretary of State who negotiated the deal.
Everyone's thinking about the purchase changed when gold was discovered there in 1876. This sparked the first Alaskan Gold Rush. Later on, the Klondike Gold Rush lured over 100,000 prospectors north to seek their fortunes. Not everyone struck gold, but many stayed especially because the government offered 120 acres of land free to anyone who would become a homesteader.
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.
The Aleutian Islands are a string of islands that stretch out into the Bering Sea towards Japan and Russia. When the Japanese landed there during WWII, everyone immediately recognized the strategic value of the islands. Soon after, work began on the Alaska-Canadian Highway. This highway brought thousands of American troops overland and helped create a significant military presence there.
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 remarkable record, one that is rich and varied. Many business investors flock there to invest in the wide range of natural resources found there, while tourists are attracted by the unspoiled wilderness beauty that still abounds. The quickest way to get there is by plane, arriving at Anchorage which serves as the gateway. Luxury sea cruises are becoming increasingly popular for tourists, especially among those seeking sea adventure.
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