Some historical information about Alaska.

Did you know that Alaska has been inhabited since 10,000 BC?

Back then, there was a land bridge extending from Siberia to eastern Alaska, and migrants followed herds of animals across it. The first Alaskans formed three main groups - Eskimos, Indians, and Aleuts - and they shared customs and lived in the same areas.

Here's something interesting: Russia controlled most of Alaska from the late 1700s until 1867, when it was purchased by U.S. Secretary of State William Seward for just $7.2 million! Critics thought it wasn't worth it, but guess what? The discovery of gold in the 1890s triggered a stampede of prospectors and settlers.

In 1959 Alaska became the 49th state in the USA. It lies in the extreme northwest of the North American continent. And in 1878, a salmon cannery was built, and that marked the beginning of what eventually became the largest salmon industry in the world.

Alaska is not only rich in natural gas and oil, but it's also home to over 730,000 people.

Here are some more fascinating facts about Alaska:

• Alaska is home to many of the highest mountain peaks in the United States, with a whopping 17 out of the top 20 located in the state. Denali, also known as "The Great One," stands tall at an impressive 20,320 feet above sea level.
• With over 3,000 rivers and an astonishing 3 million lakes, Alaska is a true aquatic paradise. The largest lake, Lake Iliamna, spans an incredible 1,000 square miles.
• Glaciers cover about 5% of Alaska, totaling around 100,000 icy formations. Mother Nature truly put on a spectacular show here! Sadly the ice is thinning and retreating annually.

• Did you know that Alaska is the largest state in the United States? It covers a massive area, equivalent to 1/5th of the entire USA and double the size of Texas.
• Fairbanks is the place to be if you want to catch a stunning display of the Northern Lights. These mesmerizing lights grace the city's skies for over 200 days a year.

• Juneau, the capital of Alaska, is a unique city accessible only by boat or plane. It's also the largest (in land area) capital city in the United States, spreading across an impressive 3,108 square miles.
• Anchorage's Lake Hood is a hub of activity, serving as the world's largest and busiest seaplane base. On a bustling summer day, you can witness more than 800 take-offs and landings!
• While looking for facts about Alaska, we couldn't forget about the salmon! The Kenai River is legendary for its enormous salmon. The largest ever caught in Alaska weighed a jaw-dropping 97.5 lbs. That's one massive fish!
• Barrow experiences both the longest and shortest day, with over two months of continuous sunlight in the summer and almost two months of darkness in the winter.
• Whispering in the ear of someone hunting moose is against the law!
• Alaska holds the record for the lowest temperature ever recorded in the United States: a bone-chilling -80 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Alaska is a land of volcanoes, boasting more than 100 of these majestic natural wonders. It also has a stunning coastline, stretching approximately 34,000 miles—more than the rest of the United States combined!
• Lastly, dog mushing takes the crown as the official state sport of Alaska. This traditional mode of transportation has deep roots, and the Iditarod dog sledding race from Anchorage to Nome is one of the state's most celebrated sporting events.

Alaska is a truly mesmerizing place, with its breathtaking landscapes, captivating wildlife, and deep cultural roots. We hope these interesting facts about Alaska have brought you enjoyment.

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