Alaska - Answers To Common Question
It is said that Alaska is home to the last wild frontier of the wilderness. It is not any wonder. It is the northernmost state in the United States of America. Home to a wide diversity of wildlife and a climate that is comprised of six months of light and six months of darkness, Alaska is the final frontier of the wilderness.
Those who call Alaska their home must be a special hearty breed for it is not a forgiving climate for those who make mistakes. Bears are just some of what the wilds dish out daily to inhabitants and visitors to this great landscape. Even more fantastic than the wildlife and the wilderness is the rich and diverse history that Alaska offers. In this article we will address some of the questions you may have regarding this great state.
What is the history of Alaska?
Alaska’s story is fantastic and is detailed. It was originally discovered by the Russian explorer Vitus Bering in 1741. But it was not until 1784 that the first settlement was established. It was not a profitable venture on the part of the Russians but it proved so for the Americans when U.S. Secretary of State, William H. Seward, purchased Alaska for 7.2 million dollars. That is 2 cents an acre. A phenomenal deal, especially considering that gold was found in the Yukon and thousands of settlers eagerly made their way during the gold rushes of 1890.
Who was Alaska purchased from and when?
Alaska was purchased from the Russians by U.S. Secretary of state William Seward in 1867. The United States paid 7.2 million dollars or roughly 2 cents an acre for this bountiful, wild frontier. This was a great bargain especially when later gold and oil were found in this natural setting. It had not been much of a go for the Russians but for the Americans purchasing Alaska was a great boon to the economy.
What are the demographics of Alaska?
As of 2006 Alaska has a population of roughly 670,053 people. It is the 48th most populated state with it being the least densely populated. There is 1.1 individuals per square mile. The race of Alaskans varies from a majority being Caucasian, followed by 15.6% being Native American or an Alaska Native. It is in the northern and western areas of Alaska that the Alaska Natives that are primarily settlers of and there are numerous populations in the southeast. You also have to consider the amount of other ancestries such as German, Irish, Norwegian and the Aleutians.
How do most people get around in Alaska?
Did you know that there are more people that own planes in Alaska than any other place? This is because many of the towns and outlying areas are remote and do not have highway systems in order to travel by car. There are some highway systems in the more populated area but even the capital is inaccessible by car unless you use a car ferrying carrier.
By Travel Editor
