The history of Alaska is long and interesting. It would take volumes to really do justice to this incredible state. It is home to perhaps the most spectacular scenery of any place in the United States. Visitors can see glaciers, climb mountains and enjoy some of the last unspoiled wilderness in the world.
The original inhabitants of the area came over the land bridge from Asia during the stone age. Some of the people continued south and settled in warmer regions. The ones that stayed learned to live in the harsh environment and became the first Alaskans. The population remained small until the Russians began to move into the areas as hunters and trappers.
The United States finally purchased the vast space we know as Alaska from the Russians on the first of August, 1867. The purchase price was over seven million dollars. At the time it was highly criticized as a waste of money. It was not until years later with the discovery of oil and mineral resources that the purchase was considered valuable.
The Alaskan territory was very quiet and completely undeveloped until the gold rush. In the 1890's the Yukon gold rush was the catalyst that prompted a huge influx of people. New towns grew up practically overnight and the population increased rapidly. This allowed for the establishment of Alaska as a territory in 1912. During World War two several of the Aleutian Islands were occupied by the Japanese. This brought new interest as a strategically important area that deserved more attention. The US army eventually managed to regain the islands and the native inhabitants who had been forcibly removed by the Japanese were able to go back to their homes.
Although the population was growing the region still lacked any major infrastructure. Finally in the early 1940's, the Alaska-Canada Military Highway was completed, providing the first road link between the two countries. This was a major development and made the area more accessible to workers and investors.
Due to its location on the Pacific rim, the area is always at risk for natural disasters. One of the biggest earthquakes recorded in the United States occurred in the western part of the state on Good Friday 1964. The quake triggered a tsunami which claimed over one hundred lives. There was significant damage to properties along the coast and several communities were devastated.
The discovery of significant oil deposits in the early seventies really changed the future of the Alaskan people. An overland pipeline was completed in 1977 that helped to speed production and really add to the economic prosperity of the state. The state government has been careful to monitor the new found wealth and ensure that every feels the benefits of the oil.
In the past twenty years tourism has become one of the most important parts of the Alaskan economy. Over one million visitors each year enjoy the amazing sights and incredible wildlife. Breathtaking mountains offer excellent skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The wildlife is legendary and offers the chance to see grizzly bears, rare birds and a host of others in their natural habitat. The history of Alaska continues to evolve and this amazing state always seems to stay in the news.
The original inhabitants of the area came over the land bridge from Asia during the stone age. Some of the people continued south and settled in warmer regions. The ones that stayed learned to live in the harsh environment and became the first Alaskans. The population remained small until the Russians began to move into the areas as hunters and trappers.
The United States finally purchased the vast space we know as Alaska from the Russians on the first of August, 1867. The purchase price was over seven million dollars. At the time it was highly criticized as a waste of money. It was not until years later with the discovery of oil and mineral resources that the purchase was considered valuable.
The Alaskan territory was very quiet and completely undeveloped until the gold rush. In the 1890's the Yukon gold rush was the catalyst that prompted a huge influx of people. New towns grew up practically overnight and the population increased rapidly. This allowed for the establishment of Alaska as a territory in 1912. During World War two several of the Aleutian Islands were occupied by the Japanese. This brought new interest as a strategically important area that deserved more attention. The US army eventually managed to regain the islands and the native inhabitants who had been forcibly removed by the Japanese were able to go back to their homes.
Although the population was growing the region still lacked any major infrastructure. Finally in the early 1940's, the Alaska-Canada Military Highway was completed, providing the first road link between the two countries. This was a major development and made the area more accessible to workers and investors.
Due to its location on the Pacific rim, the area is always at risk for natural disasters. One of the biggest earthquakes recorded in the United States occurred in the western part of the state on Good Friday 1964. The quake triggered a tsunami which claimed over one hundred lives. There was significant damage to properties along the coast and several communities were devastated.
The discovery of significant oil deposits in the early seventies really changed the future of the Alaskan people. An overland pipeline was completed in 1977 that helped to speed production and really add to the economic prosperity of the state. The state government has been careful to monitor the new found wealth and ensure that every feels the benefits of the oil.
In the past twenty years tourism has become one of the most important parts of the Alaskan economy. Over one million visitors each year enjoy the amazing sights and incredible wildlife. Breathtaking mountains offer excellent skiing in winter and hiking in summer. The wildlife is legendary and offers the chance to see grizzly bears, rare birds and a host of others in their natural habitat. The history of Alaska continues to evolve and this amazing state always seems to stay in the news.
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