Alaska is the forty-ninth state of the United States and by far the largest by land area, covering more than 663,000 square miles. Despite its size, it is one of the least densely populated states, with just over 730,000 residents as of 2024, ranking it the third least populous in the nation. The state capital is Juneau, but Anchorage is the largest city and home to about 40 percent of the population. Alaska is often called the “Last Frontier” for its wilderness, natural beauty, and vast landscapes.
Before it became part of the United States, Alaska was controlled by Russia, which created the Russian-American Company to manage fur trading. As the fur trade declined, Russia sold the territory to the United States for 7.2 million dollars on March 30, 1867. This purchase, negotiated by U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward, was initially mocked as “Seward’s Folly” by critics, but it proved to be one of the most valuable land acquisitions in history.
Alaska was first administered as the Department of Alaska and later as the District of Alaska. With limited involvement from the federal government, it remained a territory for decades. After years of campaigning, the Alaska Statehood Act was signed on July 7, 1958, and Alaska officially became the forty-ninth state on January 3, 1959.
Alaska is world famous for its natural beauty. The state is home to Denali, formerly known as Mount McKinley, which is North America’s highest peak at 20,310 feet. The name Denali means “The High One” in the language of the Koyukon Athabascans. Glaciers, fjords, and dramatic mountain ranges cover the landscape, while Alaska’s national parks, including Denali National Park, Glacier Bay, and Kenai Fjords, attract millions of visitors each year.
Alaska is rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, gold, silver, copper, and timber. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System, completed in the 1970s, remains one of the state’s most important economic assets. Alaska is also known for its wildlife, from Kodiak brown bears and moose to bald eagles and humpback whales. The state’s rivers, such as the Yukon and Kenai, are world famous for salmon fishing.
Alaska’s landmarks reflect both human achievement and natural grandeur. Important sites include the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall in Sitka, the Adak Army Base and Naval Operating Base, the Chilkoot Trail, and the historic mining towns of Nome and Skagway. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline stretches 800 miles and is visible across much of the state. Natural wonders such as the Northern Lights, also called the Aurora Borealis, and the long summer days of the “Midnight Sun” add to Alaska’s reputation as a land of extremes.
Living in Alaska offers a unique experience. Juneau, the capital, is not accessible by road and can only be reached by air or sea through the Alaska Marine Highway System. The state is known for its fresh seafood, lack of poisonous plants, and love for outdoor life. Music festivals, bluegrass traditions, and Native Alaskan culture add to the state’s rich heritage. With its dramatic landscapes, low population density, and adventurous spirit, Alaska truly earns its nickname as the “Last Frontier” and the “Land of the Midnight Sun.”
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