Alaska

History

Alaska was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples including the Tlingit, Haida, Athabascan, and Inupiat cultures for thousands of years before Russian colonial expansion in the 18th century. The Russian-American Company established fur trading posts and claimed vast territories, creating a Russian colonial period that lasted until 1867. The United States purchased Alaska from Russia for 7.2 million dollars in a deal often called "Seward's Folly," and the territory experienced rapid transformation through gold rushes and military development throughout the 20th century. Alaska achieved statehood in 1959 and has since become known for its oil industry, vast wilderness, and indigenous cultural renaissance.

Culture

Alaska's character is defined by its vast untamed landscapes, extreme weather conditions, and the deep influence of indigenous traditions alongside the pioneer spirit of frontier settlement. The state celebrates a strong connection to nature, subsistence hunting and fishing, and outdoor pursuits like dog sledding and fishing that remain central to daily life and identity. Indigenous cultures continue to thrive through traditional arts, storytelling, and ceremonies, while contemporary Alaskan culture embraces both rugged individualism and tight-knit community bonds forged by geographic isolation.

Language

English is the primary language, though Alaska is home to several indigenous languages including Tlingit, Haida, Yup'ik, and Iñupiaq, which are experiencing cultural revitalization efforts. Useful local expressions include 'outside' to refer to the continental United States and 'cheechako' for a newcomer or tenderfoot unfamiliar with Alaskan life.

Best time to visit

June through August provides long daylight hours and mild temperatures.

Places to visit

Where to eat