ALASKA A VACATION OF A LIFETIME
BY CLAY
LARROY
The preparation for a vacation is almost as
exhilarating as the vacation itself. I love printing out the tickets and
confirmations while thinking about how much fun I will have on vacation. I
enjoy researching all the sights at the location I will see once I arrive at my
destination. When you want to plan a
vacation contact me!
Alaska Travel Guide
Alaska history, language & culture
Alaska, the
largest, yet least densely populated US state, was the 49th state annexed to
the United States in 1959 after being bought from Russia in 1867.
Prior to Russian or American colonization, Alaska was home to many native groups including the Aleut, Tlingit, and Eskimos. Russian traders were the first outsiders to reach Alaska; the first permanent Russian settlement was established in the Three Saints Bay in on Kodiak Island in 1784. By the end of the century, the Russians had a number of settlements throughout the territory.
Russia gained a monopoly of the American fur trade, and created the Russian-American Company, which would go on to establish many settlements in Alaska and begin to colonize the region. British merchants soon began trading in Alaska, and although banned by the Russo-American Treaty of 1824, American merchants ventured into Alaska as well.
Russia's hold on Alaska weakened throughout the 1800s, and by the 1860s, they were ready to sell the territory. The US purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 for the grand sum of $7.2m, and further exploration and colonization of the territory commenced.
In the 1890s, gold was discovered in the neighboring Yukon Territory in Canada and an exodus of people flocked to nearby Alaska to join in the hunt. Then, in 1899 gold was found in Alaska itself, and an even larger influx of hopefuls joined the search for gold, settling several Alaskan towns including Fairbanks.
A few years later in 1902, construction on the Alaska Railroad began, making transport from the lower 48 states to the Alaskan territory many days shorter and much easier. Industry also began to develop, and commercial fishing took over as the leading industry.
Alaska played its own part during WWII, with Japanese troops occupying two of the Aleutian Islands. US forces managed to expel the Japanese by 1943, and the federal government resettled those native peoples affected by the fighting.
Alaska was signed into statehood by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1958 after the discovery of oil on the Kenai Peninsula. More oil was discovered in Prudhoe Bay in 1968 and the government began the construction of a pipeline across the state to more easily access the oil. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline was completed in 1977. Since its completion and into modern day, tensions have developed between wildlife preservation groups against the expansion of the oil industry and those in favor of further development.
Prior to Russian or American colonization, Alaska was home to many native groups including the Aleut, Tlingit, and Eskimos. Russian traders were the first outsiders to reach Alaska; the first permanent Russian settlement was established in the Three Saints Bay in on Kodiak Island in 1784. By the end of the century, the Russians had a number of settlements throughout the territory.
Russia gained a monopoly of the American fur trade, and created the Russian-American Company, which would go on to establish many settlements in Alaska and begin to colonize the region. British merchants soon began trading in Alaska, and although banned by the Russo-American Treaty of 1824, American merchants ventured into Alaska as well.
Russia's hold on Alaska weakened throughout the 1800s, and by the 1860s, they were ready to sell the territory. The US purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 for the grand sum of $7.2m, and further exploration and colonization of the territory commenced.
In the 1890s, gold was discovered in the neighboring Yukon Territory in Canada and an exodus of people flocked to nearby Alaska to join in the hunt. Then, in 1899 gold was found in Alaska itself, and an even larger influx of hopefuls joined the search for gold, settling several Alaskan towns including Fairbanks.
A few years later in 1902, construction on the Alaska Railroad began, making transport from the lower 48 states to the Alaskan territory many days shorter and much easier. Industry also began to develop, and commercial fishing took over as the leading industry.
Alaska played its own part during WWII, with Japanese troops occupying two of the Aleutian Islands. US forces managed to expel the Japanese by 1943, and the federal government resettled those native peoples affected by the fighting.
Alaska was signed into statehood by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1958 after the discovery of oil on the Kenai Peninsula. More oil was discovered in Prudhoe Bay in 1968 and the government began the construction of a pipeline across the state to more easily access the oil. The Trans-Alaska Pipeline was completed in 1977. Since its completion and into modern day, tensions have developed between wildlife preservation groups against the expansion of the oil industry and those in favor of further development.
Cruise cities in Alaska
Seward
Seward is a picturesque, historic fishing port located 203km (126
miles) south of Anchorage at the head of the Kenai
Peninsula and known as
the Gateway to the Kenai
Fjords National Park. Mount Marathon provides a stunning background
for the town. To the south, huge glaciers flow into Resurrection Bay from Harding Icefield (one
of only four remaining in the United States). Major events in the history of
the town include Japanese invasion during World War II and the 1964 earthquake.
Sightseeing
Cruise boats pass many spectacular sights on their way to port
including glaciers, sea lions and puffins sheltering in rookeries. Seward is an
excellent base to explore sports fishing, glacier and wildlife cruises,
sailing, hiking, kayaking, flight seeing and summer dog sled rides. The
highlight of many people's visit to Seward, however, is the opportunity to see
orca and humpback whales.
Highlights
- Alaska SeaLife Center
- Kenaii Fjords National Park - Exit Glacier
- Resurrection Bay Historical Society Museum
- Seward Museum
Highlights
- Alaska SeaLife Center
- Kenaii Fjords National Park - Exit Glacier
- Resurrection Bay Historical Society Museum
- Seward Museum
Tourist
Information
Locally-owned shops feature regional artists' wares such as gold
nugget and beaded jewelry; glass-blown items; pottery; hand-painted silks;
professional photographs; and oil and pastel paintings highlighting Seward-area
views. Native sea-oil candles, beaded mittens, fur mukluks (boots)
and miniature hand-carved totem poles are also popular souvenirs.
Eating
Out
Salmon, halibut
and crab are popular menu items. Clam chowder is another favorite. Alaskan
delicacies include smoked salmon, wild berry products and reindeer sausage.
Sitka
This charming sea-side city is considered by many to be the ‘Jewel of
the Inside Passage'. The community is located on Baranof Island, which is nestled between forested
mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Sitka takes its name from the Tlingit term,
‘Shee-Atika', which roughly translates as ‘settlement on the outside of Shee'.
Russia established a settlement in 1804 and stayed until the sale of Alaska in
1867. Sitka is a treasure trove of Tlingit, Russian and United States history.
Sightseeing
Sitka's mild climate and richly diverse environment make it an
excellent place to view wildlife. In the late autumn and early spring, the
waters surrounding Sitka are an ideal feeding ground for humpback whales. Sea
lions, sea otters and other marine wildlife can also be spotted. Fishing is a
popular activity for visitors with Sitka boasting the highest saltwater sport
fishing catch rate in the nation. Kayaking, underwater exploration and hiking
are popular ways to enjoy the wildlife and nature.
Highlights
- Alaska Raptor Center
- Sitka National Historical Park
- St Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral
- Castle Hill
- Sheldon Jackson Museum
Highlights
- Alaska Raptor Center
- Sitka National Historical Park
- St Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral
- Castle Hill
- Sheldon Jackson Museum
Tourist
Information
Unique Alaskan products and crafts include: gold nugget and amber jewelry;
items carved from jade, stone and bone; hand-painted clothing and
toys; and woven baskets of beach grass, bark and baleen. Native-made
carvings, beaded jewelry and miniature hand-carved totem poles are also popular
souvenirs.
Eating
Out
Salmon, halibut, crab and clam chowder are popular choices.
Alaskan delicacies include smoked salmon, wild berry products and reindeer
sausage.
REFERENCE SITES:
The light in Alaska in
particular is so beautiful. So beautiful! Such incredible light.
Sebastiao Salgado
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