Alaska: The 49th State
January 3, 2007 by Mary Jo Manzanares
Filed under Things to See & Do
(As part of my quest to visit every state, I will be spending some time throughout the year highlighting each of our 50 states.)
Today is Admission Day for Alaska. On January 3rd, 1959, Alaska (purchased from Russia in 1867) became the 49th state.
Although Alaska is the largest state in geographical area, it is one of the least populated, ranking 47th of 50. Due in large part to its connection with the oil industry, it is one of the wealthiest states.
Alaska is a rugged state, with lots of outdoor adventure opportunities: fishing, hunting, hiking, snowshoeing, dog sledding, etc. During the summer, the coastal cities in Alaska are popular ports of call for many cruise lines, and cruising the Inside Passage is an opportunity to see nature in all its glory. Other popular sites: train rides through the interior, Mendenhall Glacier in Juneau (in photo), and Mt. McKinley National Park.
I first visited Alaska in 1967. It was a trip to Fairbanks to visit with extended family, and to take advantage of A-67, the centennial celebration. I don’t remember a lot about that trip — except the continual daylight. At home we were always told to come in before it got dark. That didn’t work in Fairbanks.
Since that time, I have visited Alaska many, many times. Cities I’ve visited: Anchorage (the state’s largest city), Juneau (the capital and my favorite Alaska city), Fairbanks, Ketchikan, Sitka, Bethel, Gustavus, Barrow, Nome, Petersburg, Kotzebue, Cordova, North Pole, Prudhoe Bay, and probably a few others that I’ve forgotten.
Anyone else out there been to Alaska? What’s your favorite place?
Photo credit: Henry Hartley
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Mary Jo — If I could only visit Alaska for a week — and it wouuld be my first visit to the state, where would you recommend I go and what should I absolutely not miss? Oh yes, and what time of year is the best to visit?
Thanks
tish
What? Not Kwigillingok, Tuntutuliak or Quinhagak? You’ve just scratched the surface! Actually, you’ve seen a lot more of the state than I and I’ve lived here all my life–lots of great places to visit here. I’ve got a few posts on Alaska travel ops myself.
Tish: I really love Juneau in the summer. The weather is lovely, the scenery beautiful, and it’s very charming. The downside, however, is that is high tourist season (all the cruise ships), so you may have to battle crowds. A little careful planning will help you avoid the days that the ships are in. My second choice was be Sitka. While Alaska is beautiful in the winter as well, I’m not a cold weather person, so can’t make any meaningful winter recommendations.
Michelle: Well, I’ve been to a few of the smaller villages, but not the ones that you mentioned! They do offer another taste of Alaska, though!