Alaska is Celebrating 50 years of Statehood

Alaska is celebrating 50 years of Statehood this year, with a commemorative coin, license plate and stamp. It gained statehood in 1959. Before this time it was classed as a territory after Secretary of State William H Seward purchased the area from the Russians for $7.2 million in 1867.

The land was bought for its mineral wealth, salmon and timber and also as a last frontier for America. After many years of political upheaval and times of economic hardship, it became a state in 1959.

This year is truly a great time to visit Alaska in fact, the State of Alaska is putting on special events and exhibitions throughout the year to attract new travelers.

The Anchorage museum has an exhibition on life in Alaska leading to statehood. There were special fireworks and a parade for Independence Day, and the Fairbanks Opera had a special Gala to honor the 50th year of Statehood. In August the state will celebrate Hawaii’s 50th year with music and food from the Islands. (Probably a lot of seafood dishes!)

Tour companies are also doing special deals! Some of these specials to mark the anniversary are:

• Phillips Cruises and Tours is taking 50% of its 26 Glacier Tour for folks turning 50 this year
• Waterfall Lodge near Ketchikan famous for fishing is taking 50% of prices on select dates
• Temsco Helicopters is cutting 10% of prices in Junaeu or Skagway

Websites:

• http://www.gov.state.ak.us/ASCC/events.php
• http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2009-08-06-alaska-deals_N.htm
  

by Rebecca Subbiah