Sunday, January 6, 2013

Interesting Facts About Alaskan History

By Katelyn Buckner


You may have dreams like many other people about visiting Alaska. While for many this is a land of adventure, you should also know that many things happened that made the state what it is today. Making the most of a visit to this state means you taking the time to earn some about Alaskan history.

Before this state became a part of the United States, the territory belonged to Russia. The area was purchased by the US for the amount of $7,200,000.00, on August 1, 1867. Many people at that time felt the area was unworthy due to the snow and arctic conditions.

The rumors of gold started a rush of pioneers and settlers to the arctic wilderness of Alaska. The idea of striking it rich by finding gold or hitting oil became the reason the territory became so populated in these the late 1800s. The price and purchase of the state no longer seemed as unworthy as people had first thought. The more pioneers that arrived, the more towns began to be born as well.

In 1899, after the discovery of gold, the town of Nome was created. Nome became famous due to the outbreak of diphtheria in 1925. The diphtheria outbreak was the reason the Iditarod trail was used by sled dogs for carrying much needed medicine to the people in Nome. The Iditarod race is still today the longest running race in the world. Millions of people have come to witness the start of this one thousand mile trek of mushers and their dog teams.

The Iditarod Trail was also used by those gold hunters during that time. Dog sledding has always been a popular form of transportation in the Alaskan territories. For many years, dog sledding was the best way to reach parts of this frozen area. Today, the race is part of this tradition. Planes and other vehicles like snowmobiles have taken the place of dog sleds in many areas.

The natural occurrence and phenomenon called the aurora borealis lights is another reason many people go to Alaska. Visiting the town of Anchorage would mean you learning a lot of historical facts by visiting the great museums located there. Consider the history you could learn by visiting Indian villages up close and personal.

The town of Anchorage is a great place to visit for learning more about the complete history of Alaska. Anchorage is home to great museums that are filled with details about many parts of the state. Learn more about the natural light show that draws thousand every years as well, the aurora borealis.

The time you spend exploring Alaskan history is time you will never regret, especially when you get to make a trip to the state. The time you spend in this state is the time you can see the kinds of historical evidence evident in the area. The towns that are there today are directly from the times of the gold rush and the rumors of oil. When you walk into a town of historical significance like Nome, you will be able to feel it




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