More than 250 years ago, the original natives of Alaska came to North America from Siberia over the Bering land bridge, which connected the two continents. Different native groups, such as the Tlingits, Inupiaqs, Yupiks and Aleuts, were scattered throughout the various regions of Alaska. Life was harsh for the early Alaskans. They became accomplished fishermen, hunters and warriors. They followed herds of caribou and moose, fished for salmon and traded furs and other goods with other natives. The first Europeans to claim Alaska successfully were the Russians. Onion-domed churches still grace the skyline in the former Russian cities of Sitka, Kodiak and Ninilchik. Alaska officially became the 49th state on January 3, 1959.

From these humble beginnings the economy of Alaska was formed. Today it is driven by the oil and gas, tourism and fishing industries. When oil was discovered in the Arctic regions of Prudhoe Bay, the Trans-Alaska Pipeline -- more than 800 miles of 48-inch pipe -- was built to transport the oil to the ice-free port of Valdez. The pipeline is a favorite tourist attraction and can be seen near Fairbanks, Glennallen, Delta, Valdez and along the Dalton Highway. More than 1.1 million tourists visit Alaska annually. The rich fishing waters off Alaska’s coast is the world’s number one producer of wild salmon. Other important industries are timber, mining and agriculture.

Of course, there are many splendid attractions to see in Alaska. Glaciers cover more than five percent of the state’s total area. Alaska has 39 mountain ranges containing 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States. Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska is a favorite place for bear watching. The 16-million acre Tongass National Forest and the six-million acre Chugach National Forest offer extensive recreational possibilities. Historic mining towns such as Skagway, Nome and Kennicott relive the glamorous history of the gold rush. Modern museums in almost every town and city in Alaska display artifacts of days gone by. Whether it is the ivory carvings, wooden totems, beadwork or native dances of its native population, Alaska’s art and culture is as varied and interesting as the majestic terrain.

Many famous Americans came from the vast wilderness of Alaska. Joe Redington, Sr. is considered the Father of the Iditarod, the great sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome. Susan Butcher is the only person to win the Iditarod three consecutive years. Olympian Tommy Moe was an Alpine skiing gold medalist. Performer Jewel grew up in Homer, Alaska. Irene Bedard was the voice of Disney’s Pocahontas and hails from Anchorage. Author Jack London spent the winter of 1897 in the Yukon and from that experience wrote the books, “Call of the Wild” and “White Fang.”

Alaska also enjoys another unique phenomenon called the Midnight Sun. The farther north you travel during the summer months, the later the sun will set. In Anchorage, the sun sets as late as 10:42 p.m. In Barrow, the northernmost town in Alaska, the sun doesn’t set at all for 64 days. Extended daylight hours give residents and tourists alike more opportunity to enjoy all the natural beauty and diversity that Alaska has to offer.