Introduction:
When it comes to describing the unique United States state of Alaska, words like mysterious, profound and awe-inspiring are rarely encompassed in one sentence. From its wildlife to its indigenous people, Alaska has a long and complex history that’s unlike any other state in the US. In honor of its storied past and its remarkable present, here are 15 interesting facts about Alaska that you may not know.
Fact 1: Alaska is home to 17 of the 20 highest US mountain peaks
The list of highest US mountain peaks begins with Mount McKinley, also known as Denali, which stands tall at 20,310 feet above sea level. All 17 of these remarkable peaks are located in Alaska and many are situated in the picturesque Alaska Range. The range is made up of two majestic mountain chains and includes several officially designated national parks, such as Denali National Park and Preserve.
Fact 2: Alaska is larger than many countries
Alaska’s land area is an impressive 570,641 square miles, an area larger than that of Spain, France or Germany. It’s home to 3 million lakes, over 100,000 glaciers, and 34,000 mile of coastline. The state also contains the largest national park in the United States, Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
Fact 3: Alaska was the 49th state to join the US
Alaska was admitted to the union on the 3rd of January 1959, and is the most northerly US state after Hawaii. Honoring this milestone of US history, the state of Alaska made 3rd of January its official state holiday, named Alaska Day.
Fact 4: The northernmost point of the US is located in Alaska
Alaska most northern point is Point Barrow and it is considered the northernmost part in the United States. This point is situated near the shore of the Arctic Ocean, and is the furthest point from the border of the lower 48 states.
Fact 5: Alaska is home to the world’s second largest temperate rainforest
The world’s second largest temperate rainforest can be found in the Tongass National Forest of Southeast Alaska. It is full of large Alaskan Spruce, Hemlock, and Cedar, and is the largest US national forest with 17 million acres of wilderness.
Fact 6: Alaska has more caribou than humans
Alaska is home to almost one-fourth of America’s total of 1000 caribou herds, and their number significantly exceeds the state’s human population. The largest of these herds, the Porcupine herd, consists of about 151,000 animals.
Fact 7: Coldest recorded temperature is -80F in Prospect Creek, Alaska
On January 23rd, 1971, temperatures in Prospect Creek, Alaska, in the Arctic circle, were recorded as reaching an incredibly cold -80F (-62.2C). Prospect Creek is famous for being the site of one of the coldest temperatures ever recorded.
Fact 8: Alaska was home to the world’s largest gold rush
It was in the late 1890s when gold was discovered in Alaska’s Klondike region, and with news of the discovery spreading, people from all corners of the world came to take part in the gold rush. So intense was the rush for gold, a person’s entire fortune could be made in less than a day.
Fact 9: Alaska is perhaps the most seismically active area in the world
Alaska sits on the ‘Ring of Fire’, an area with 452 volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean, and is perhaps the most seismically active in the world. The Alaska Earthquake Information Center records thousands of earthquakes every year as a result of this activity.
Fact 10: The city of Juneau is the only US state capital inaccessible by road
The capital of Alaska, Juneau is the only US state capital that is unreachable by road and is accessible only by boat or plane. The only exception being for a short road that links Juneau to its neighboring community of Douglas.
Fact 11: Alaska is the northernmost, westernmost, and easternmost state
Alaska is considered to be the northernmost, westernmost and easternmost state of the US due to its location in the extreme Northwest corner of North America. In addition, no other US state’s coastline is adjacent to three distinct bodies of water: the Arctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, and Bering Sea.
Fact 12: Alaska has the longest coastline in the US
Alaska’s coastline is the longest of any US state and is over 34,000 miles long. The majority of this coastline is wild and pristine with several hundreds of remote islands boasting stunning and even untouched beaches.
Fact 13: There are more than 100 native languages spoken in Alaska
Alaska still retains its strong native culture, and there are more than 100 native languages still spoken. Even though the population of Alaska Natives has been in decline in recent years, the traditions of these cultures continue to be celebrated.
Fact 14: The longest Alaskan pipeline stretches for 800 miles
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) was built in 1977 to transport oil between Prudhoe Bay in the north and Valdez (a port on the south coast). The completion of this pipeline was a major achievement for the state as the 800-mile pipeline is the world’s longest.
Fact 15: The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) can be seen in Alaska
In late autumn and winter months, the northern lights create a spectacular light show when they shine in the night sky. Alaska is one of the best places on the planet to witness the aurora borealis, particularly in the Fairbanks and surrounding area.
Conclusion
The slender large US state of Alaska is an enigmatic land full of rich cultural heritage and geological wonders. From the longest coastline in the US to the world’s second largest temperate rainforest, there is much in Alaska to amaze and entertain. Easily one of the most unique places on the planet, with stunningly wild landscapes and wonderful wildlife, 15 interesting facts about Alaska is only the beginning of what the state has to offer!
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