Cities of Alaska stand out sharply from other American cities. They are much more spacious than Los Angeles, New York and others. The Americans here are very different: they lead a different lifestyle, have a peculiar character and life values. The settlements of this state are striking in their beauty. In this article we will talk about Anchorage, Sitka, Juneau and many other cities in Alaska.
Anchorage
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, which is located in the south. Many tourists who decide to visit this state decide to go to Anchorage. More than 300 thousand people live in the city.
In Anchorage, tourists can find many walking places, as well as a variety of museums. In addition, there is a wonderful botanical garden, the famous Sagrada Familia, a huge shopping center and port.
Alaska's largest city , Anchorage, is also famous for its ski resort. It does not compare with Courchevel, but it is fully budgetary and accessible to absolutely everyone.
Juneau
Since the beginning of the 20th century, Juneau has been the capital of Alaska's largest American state. The history of this city began with the fact that in the late 19th century, the famous traveler and gold digger Joseph Juno discovered a gold deposit here. Within a few years, this settlement was officially recognized as a city, and after 24 years, Juneau became the state capital.
One of the leading industries of the city is tourism. The most favorable season for visiting lasts from May to September, in the rest of the months there are very few tourists. Despite the fact that Juneau's economy is directly dependent on the flow of travelers, the residents of the capital consider them to be superfluous, many are not at all happy for visitors. In Anchorage, on the contrary, locals always welcome guests.
The capital of Alaska is rightfully recognized as one of the most picturesque cities in the whole state. Juneau is surrounded by two mountains, and in the west is a strait.
There are many interesting places in the city, especially tourists highlight a museum dedicated to the history of gold mining. In addition, there are many bars, restaurants, shopping centers, beautiful and cozy streets, colorful churches, etc.
Fairbanks, or Fairbanks
Cities of Alaska, such as Fairbanks, are very popular among tourists. Fairbanks is the official name of the settlement, but many call it Fairbanks, which has almost replaced the officially accepted name. The city is located on the picturesque right bank of the Tanava River. Many Americans associate Fairbanks with universities. In fact, it is, because it is the largest educational center in the state.
The cities of Alaska, unfortunately, cannot boast of the best universities, academies and schools. The exception is Fairbanks. The famous Alaskan University is located near this city, which is why more and more young people come to Fairbanks every year who plan to enter this educational institution. In addition, the city boasts Fort Wenwright's huge military base.
Like many other places in the state, Fairbanks was founded in the first half of the 20th century due to the gold rush in America. If you are lovers of the famous breed of husky dogs, then Fairbanks is most likely your dream. After all, it is here that the legendary international dog sled races are held. The length of the route is about 1600 km. Athletes from different countries take part in the races.
Sitka, or Sith
Russian cities in Alaska have lost their former name. Sitka is a former Russian city called Novo-Arkhangelsk, which was once the capital of Russian America.
The city of Novo-Arkhangelsk was founded by Russian statesman Alexander Baranov after the permission of the Tlingit elders. Here the Orthodox Church of St. Michael was even exalted, which at the end of the 20th century burned down during a fire. In 1967, the purchase of Alaska by the United States of America took place , and the city passed into the possession of the American government. In the same year, the village was renamed. For several years Sitka was the state capital, but then the city of Juneau was formed, which replaced it in this status.
October 18th is probably the most important date for all Sitka residents. Many tourists who managed to visit this city on October 18 are full of impressions. On this day, the city hosts a parade and celebration in honor of the purchase of Alaska.
Sitka Tourism
Tourism is not famous for this state of Alaska. Cities are happy to receive guests, but the stream is not very large. Sitka is the most visited city. He is especially loved by Russian tourists. There are a lot of nature reserves and parks that are full of animals, many travel agencies offer travelers ecological, boat tours, as well as walks in natural and protected areas. Museums of the Russian Bishop and Sheldon Jackson are very popular. The Museum of the Russian Bishop presents documents, presentations and exhibitions on the development of Alaska by Russians.
In general, the city is full of tourists, but at the same time it is very quiet and calm. There is always a place that you want to visit.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan - the most beautiful city in Alaska is one of the most populous cities in the state. "The world capital of salmon" - that's what the city was called. The city’s economy is focused on fishing and tourism.
The sight of Ketchikan
Ketchikan is known to many, thanks to a national landmark called "Misty Fjords". This national monument is actually a nature reserve, which is especially popular with tourists. The reserve is considered part of the famous Tongass Forest. The national monument received its name due to its coastline features: several long bays are shrouded in fog. This place is very unique, many travelers dream of visiting it. The reserve is inhabited by animals such as snow goats, grizzlies, caribou, and salmon in the waters. In the summer months, the weekly attendance of the Misty Fjords is about 1,000 people per week.
Nome
At the end of the 19th century, the city of Nome was founded. Alaska, as you know, generously replenished with cities at this time. Again, the city was formed thanks to the Gold Rush. In the city of Nome, numerous gold miners temporarily settled. In the first decades after its founding, the population grew very rapidly. Now a little more than 3 thousand people live in the city.
Nom is notorious for the epidemic here. Children urgently needed a medicine that was in the city of Anchorage (located several hundred kilometers from Nome). The planes did not take off in a terrible storm, so people equipped dog teams and went a thousand miles for serum. Gunar’s team was the first to arrive in the city, the legendary dog Balto led the huskies. On the way back to Nom Gunar, he was paralyzed from the cold, but Balto remembered the way home and delivered the serum. Hundreds of children were saved.
Every year in Nome there are dog sled races - Aiditarod.
All cities in Alaska are different from each other. Travelers from all over the world dream of visiting this American state. Alaska (photos of cities above) - this state is very cozy, homely and picturesque, there are many beautiful places.