I looked up some facts on the state today. Very interesting.
Alaska Trivia
Outsiders first discovered Alaska in 1741 when Danish explorer Vitus Jonassen Bering sighted it on a voyage from Siberia. Russian whalers and fur traders on Kodiak Island established the first settlement in Alaska in 1784.
In 1867 United States Secretary of State William H. Seward offered Russia $7,200,000, or two cents per acre, for Alaska.
On October 18, 1867 Alaska officially became the property of the United States. Many Americans called the purchase "Seward's Folly."
Joe Juneau's 1880 discovery of gold ushered in the gold rush era.
In 1943 Japan invaded the Aleutian Islands, which started the One Thousand Mile War,
the first battle fought on American soil since the Civil War.
Alaska officially became the 49th state on January 3, 1959.
Alaska's most important revenue source is the oil and natural gas industry.
The state of Rhode Island could fit into Alaska 425 times.
Dog mushing is the official state sport. The Alaska Legislature adopted it in 1972.
The state's coastline extends over 6,600 miles.
At 20,320 feet above sea level, Mt. McKinley, located in Alaska's interior, is the highest point in North America.
In 1915 the record high temperature in Alaska was 100 degrees Fahrenheit at Fort Yukon; the record low temperature was -80 degrees Fahrenheit at Prospect Creek Camp in 1971.
For more cool facts on different states check out: http://www.50states.com/
2 comments:
I used to live on Kodiak Island! I also lived in Anchorage, and was able to make it up through the state to the arctic ocean. It is probably my most favorite place ever...I always say I left my heart in Alaska:) I hope one day you guys will make it there too...it's a priceless experience:)
SB
Another bit of trivial trivia...your mother was 3 months old, when Alaska became a state! Have wanted to see Alaska since reading "Alaska" by James Michener. Awesome huge state!
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