The history of Alaska is an amazing story. It is filled with larger than life people and stories. The first Alaskans came across the land bridge from Asia in the paleolithic era. These adventurous people managed to survive in the extremely harsh environment. They developed a lifestyle and culture that was well adapted to the area and many of their resources came from the sea.
Thousands of years ago, the very north west tip of the North American continent was still attached to Asia creating a land bridge. Early people migrated over this thin strip of land and began to settle in this harsh environment. Living off the land was essential and they hunted the seals and caught fish. By their resourcefulness these people were able to establish small communities along the coast.
It was not until the eighteenth century that the Russians began to take an interest in the area. Trappers realised that the native sea otters could be used for their beautiful furs and this became a lucrative business. The American government was not really interested in the area as they did not see any potential or other resources. Eventually, in 1867 the region became part of the United States.
The Americans paid over seven million dollars for the region and at the time this was highly criticized as a waste of money. It was not until many years later that the purchase was seen as quite a bargain. The next major event in Alaskan history was the Yukon gold rush of the 1890's. Once word of the gold discoveries reached the rest of the world, thousands of people flocked to the area in the hope of making their fortune. New towns and settlements sprang up virtually overnight and merchants were able to make a fortune from the prospectors. This was the first real population growth and led to the establishment of Alaska as a territory.
The shear size of Alaska and its geographical location have always presented a challenge. Infrastructure was extremely limited and it was not until 1942 that a highway finally connected the region to the rest of the United States. This helped to create a sense of unity with the rest of the country. The final step was the incorporation of the territory as a state in January 1959.
One of the biggest and most tragic events in the state history was the "Good Friday" earthquake. This huge quake, which measured in excess of 9 on the Richter scale, killed over one hundred people and destroyed many coastal properties. It also triggered a huge tsunami it created caused significant damage and is still remembered with fear and awe.
Alaskan's were happy to live in relative obscurity until quite recently. The discovery of large deposits of oil have changed the perception of the state and its place in the value of the nation. The oil boom has created significant wealth for virtually all Alaskans and the state government has taken measures to ensure that the benefits will continue for years to come.
The history of Alaska continues to unfold. In recent years tourism has become a huge part of the state economy. In excess of one million visitors enjoy the beauty of the state each year. Many people are drawn to the breathtaking natural sights, which include dramatic mountain ranges, glaciers and a tremendous diversity of wildlife. It is one of the last places on earth to really enjoy nature at its best.
Thousands of years ago, the very north west tip of the North American continent was still attached to Asia creating a land bridge. Early people migrated over this thin strip of land and began to settle in this harsh environment. Living off the land was essential and they hunted the seals and caught fish. By their resourcefulness these people were able to establish small communities along the coast.
It was not until the eighteenth century that the Russians began to take an interest in the area. Trappers realised that the native sea otters could be used for their beautiful furs and this became a lucrative business. The American government was not really interested in the area as they did not see any potential or other resources. Eventually, in 1867 the region became part of the United States.
The Americans paid over seven million dollars for the region and at the time this was highly criticized as a waste of money. It was not until many years later that the purchase was seen as quite a bargain. The next major event in Alaskan history was the Yukon gold rush of the 1890's. Once word of the gold discoveries reached the rest of the world, thousands of people flocked to the area in the hope of making their fortune. New towns and settlements sprang up virtually overnight and merchants were able to make a fortune from the prospectors. This was the first real population growth and led to the establishment of Alaska as a territory.
The shear size of Alaska and its geographical location have always presented a challenge. Infrastructure was extremely limited and it was not until 1942 that a highway finally connected the region to the rest of the United States. This helped to create a sense of unity with the rest of the country. The final step was the incorporation of the territory as a state in January 1959.
One of the biggest and most tragic events in the state history was the "Good Friday" earthquake. This huge quake, which measured in excess of 9 on the Richter scale, killed over one hundred people and destroyed many coastal properties. It also triggered a huge tsunami it created caused significant damage and is still remembered with fear and awe.
Alaskan's were happy to live in relative obscurity until quite recently. The discovery of large deposits of oil have changed the perception of the state and its place in the value of the nation. The oil boom has created significant wealth for virtually all Alaskans and the state government has taken measures to ensure that the benefits will continue for years to come.
The history of Alaska continues to unfold. In recent years tourism has become a huge part of the state economy. In excess of one million visitors enjoy the beauty of the state each year. Many people are drawn to the breathtaking natural sights, which include dramatic mountain ranges, glaciers and a tremendous diversity of wildlife. It is one of the last places on earth to really enjoy nature at its best.
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