Alaska Facts

The U.S. paid Russia $7.2 million for Alaska in 1867. Many Americans called the purchase "Seward's Folly."

The major rivers in Alaska are - Yukon River, Kuskokwim River, Colville River, Copper River

Alaska is the western-most and eastern-most state of the United States.

Alaska got its name from the Aluet word "Alyeska" which means "The Great Land."

The Gold Rush of 1898 resulted in a mass influx of more than 30,000 people to Alaska.

California sea otters spend almost all of their time in the water.

Alaska sea otters often sleep, groom, and nurse on land.

Alaska officially became the 49th state on January 3, 1959.

During the Alaskan Klondike gold rush potatoes were so valued for their vitamin C content that miners traded gold for them.

Alaska accounts for 25% of the oil produced in the United States.

Vitus Bering and Alexei Chirikov discovered the Alaskan mainland in 1741.

Vermont, Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine are the four states in the U.S. that do not allow billboards.

Alaska's name is based on the Eskimo word Alakshak meaning great lands or peninsula.

17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are located in Alaska.

The state flag of Alaska was adopted in 1959. The golden stars represent the Big Dipper and the North Star Alaska's northern location.

Alaska's coastline extends over 6,600 miles.

Elephants, lions, and camels roamed Alaska 12,000 years ago.

Nearly one-third of Alaska lies within the Arctic Circle.

Alaska's major lakes are Iliamna Lake, Aleknagik Lake, Becharof Lake, Clark Lake, Minchumina Lake.

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