Interesting Facts And Alaskan History

By Grace Daniels


Alaska was the forty ninth state and is also the largest state in the United States. Purchased from Russia by William Seward, Secretary of State in 1867, he paid only 7.2 million dollars for the land, which came out roughly to two cents per acre. The land did not become a state until almost one hundred years after it was purchased. Misunderstood, Alaskan history is often times taken for granted.

Some of the most notable events that have taken place include but are definitely not limited to the 1925 Nome diphtheria outbreak, the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, the 1964 9.2 magnitude earthquake, and the gold rushes that occurred between 1876 and 1900. Lets not forget in 1741 the first discovery of Alaska was made by a Russian expedition being led by Vitus Bering along with George Steller. This is just a few quick examples of what Alaskan history holds.

The presence of disasters seem to loom in the history of this land; however, there are good things that have happened to the last frontier and land of the midnight sun. For instance, the outbreak of diphtheria inspired the Iditarod Sled Dog races that occur each year in March. There is also a race that follows the exact same route taken by the sled teams in 1925 from Nenana to Nome in order to bring serum to treat the infected, this race is called the Serum run 25 Sled Dog race. These amazing fearless animals have brought about recognition for bravery, endurance and dedication and made dogs such as Balto famous.

Speaking of animals, Alaska is home to a wide variety of wildlife. It is the only place in the world that has mosquitoes that do not carry disease and it is the only place where you can find all three US bear species. It is most noted for the polar bear, especially since they live and hunt on the ice and have white fur. The natives have learned to live in harmony with the wildlife, especially since over one hundred million acres is protected and set aside for preservation.

Home to a variety of animals, this is the only place in the world where someone can find all three bear species. The most popular being the polar bears. It also is home to 14 different kinds of mosquitoes; however, none of them transmit diseases. The natives of this land have learned how to cohabitate amongst the wildlife and live harmoniously. A big majority of the state is protected and recognized as a conservation.

Snow covered peaks invade the land. Home to seventeen of the twenty highest peaks in the United States, is just another think Alaska is known for. Included in these peaks are volcanoes. Mt Spurr and Mt Redoubt are just two of the active volcanoes. Spurr erupted not just once but three times in 1992 and in 2009 Redoubt erupts not just three but a total of five times. Spurr is the eastern most active volcano and is also part of a larger stratovolcano.

Bright lights and colors always amaze people; therefore, the northern lights and aurora borealis are two of Alaska's most notable features. These amazing lights occur when particles from the sun collide with gases in the atmosphere. Historically this is one of the few places where you can experience this spectacular light show and still be amazed viewing it over and over as the natives do.

You probably did not expect for this land to have so many amazing historical facts. Alaskan history is very real and everyone should take a little bit of time to learn more about it instead of falling into the misconceived notions of reality.




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