The history of Alaska is a fascinating one. The land was first settled around 10000 BC by the Asiatics crossing the Bering Land Bridge. These people lived there peacefully until the it was discovered by the Russians in the early 1700's. It was then purchased from the Russians by America shortly before the discovery of vast oil fields, and an abundance of minerals. Alaska is now a valuable member of the United States of America.
When the Russians discovered the land, in 1741, they soon developed their first settlements there. Shortly after, hunters began to make their way from Russia. Their main target was the sea otter, known for their thick dark fur, and these animals were hunted to near extinction. At this time the Russians began to expand their settlements to different areas in search of more sea otters.
For the natives, the history of Alaska has been gruesome. When the Russian settlers came to the land, they brought with them illnesses that the natives were unable to cope with. Thousands were killed by these strange diseases. Others were forced from their land, or simply killed, by the new settlers. The plight of the natives during this time has been well documented.
In 1867, the US purchased Alaska from the Russians for $7,200,000. At the time the land had been virtually unexplored, apart from the coast, and the purchase was considered a very unpopular investment. However, since then the land has produced many natural resources, making it a very valuable asset to America, and the economy.
During the early days of Russian settlement on the land, small amounts of gold were discovered. But it was not until the Americans took over that the real exploration began. After the purchase of the land, American prospectors headed to the north. In the 1880's the gold rush really got going.
This came about as the result of the discovery of vast amounts of gold along what is now known as Gold Creek. After the discovery was made thousands of prospectors followed. Although the heat of the gold rush has since worn off considerably, there is still plenty of gold being mined there today.
Alaska was also found to have vast amounts of oil fields. With the first oil found in 1896, on the shores of Cook Inlet, there has since been many oil fields discovered in the area. The biggest oil field was discovered in 1968 near Prudhoe Bay. This is still the largest oil field in North America.
In an effort to get the oil from the north of Alaska to the rest of America an 800 mile long pipeline was built. The line runs from Prudhoe Bay all the way to Valdez, where the oil is then transferred to the rest of the states. At the time of construction, in 1977, it was the largest privately funded construction project ever completed.
It officially became a part of the United States on January 3, 1959. Afterward, in the 1960's, native groups began their fight for the land that had been taken from them during the early European settlement. Just having discovered vast amounts of oil on the land, the government wanted a quick settlement. They paid $963 million and allocated 44 acres of land to the natives. The state of Alaska has since become a major part of America.
The history of Alaska has been marked by many crucial events. From the earliest settlements, to the Russian take over, this land has seen a lot. With the thriving mining, fishing, and tourism industries now established, it continues to be an important part of America.
When the Russians discovered the land, in 1741, they soon developed their first settlements there. Shortly after, hunters began to make their way from Russia. Their main target was the sea otter, known for their thick dark fur, and these animals were hunted to near extinction. At this time the Russians began to expand their settlements to different areas in search of more sea otters.
For the natives, the history of Alaska has been gruesome. When the Russian settlers came to the land, they brought with them illnesses that the natives were unable to cope with. Thousands were killed by these strange diseases. Others were forced from their land, or simply killed, by the new settlers. The plight of the natives during this time has been well documented.
In 1867, the US purchased Alaska from the Russians for $7,200,000. At the time the land had been virtually unexplored, apart from the coast, and the purchase was considered a very unpopular investment. However, since then the land has produced many natural resources, making it a very valuable asset to America, and the economy.
During the early days of Russian settlement on the land, small amounts of gold were discovered. But it was not until the Americans took over that the real exploration began. After the purchase of the land, American prospectors headed to the north. In the 1880's the gold rush really got going.
This came about as the result of the discovery of vast amounts of gold along what is now known as Gold Creek. After the discovery was made thousands of prospectors followed. Although the heat of the gold rush has since worn off considerably, there is still plenty of gold being mined there today.
Alaska was also found to have vast amounts of oil fields. With the first oil found in 1896, on the shores of Cook Inlet, there has since been many oil fields discovered in the area. The biggest oil field was discovered in 1968 near Prudhoe Bay. This is still the largest oil field in North America.
In an effort to get the oil from the north of Alaska to the rest of America an 800 mile long pipeline was built. The line runs from Prudhoe Bay all the way to Valdez, where the oil is then transferred to the rest of the states. At the time of construction, in 1977, it was the largest privately funded construction project ever completed.
It officially became a part of the United States on January 3, 1959. Afterward, in the 1960's, native groups began their fight for the land that had been taken from them during the early European settlement. Just having discovered vast amounts of oil on the land, the government wanted a quick settlement. They paid $963 million and allocated 44 acres of land to the natives. The state of Alaska has since become a major part of America.
The history of Alaska has been marked by many crucial events. From the earliest settlements, to the Russian take over, this land has seen a lot. With the thriving mining, fishing, and tourism industries now established, it continues to be an important part of America.
About the Author:
You can visit the website www.auntphilstrunk.com for more helpful information about The History Of Alaska And Its Influence On America
0 comments:
Post a Comment