How Alaska Became a State

Alaska is the largest state in the United States, covering an area of over 663,000 square miles. It is known for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique culture. But how did Alaska become a state?

This article will explore the history of Alaska and how it became the 49th state in the United States. We will look at the events that led to Alaska's statehood, the people who fought for it, and the impact it has had on the state and the nation. We will also discuss the challenges Alaska faced as it transitioned from a territory to a state. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how Alaska became a state and the role it plays in the United States today.

Pre-Statehood

Early Exploration of Alaska

The first recorded exploration of Alaska was by the Russians in the late 1700s. Vitus Bering, a Danish explorer in the service of the Russian Navy, was the first European to set foot in Alaska in 1741. He and his crew were the first to document the Aleutian Islands and the Alaskan mainland. Other Russian explorers followed Bering, including Aleksei Chirikov, who explored the southeastern coast of Alaska in 1741. The Russian explorers were mainly interested in the fur trade, and they established trading posts and settlements along the coast.

Purchase of Alaska from Russia

In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, or two cents an acre. The purchase was known as the Alaska Purchase, and it was negotiated by William Seward, the Secretary of State under President Andrew Johnson. Seward believed that the purchase of Alaska would be beneficial to the United States, and he was able to convince Congress to approve the purchase. The purchase was met with skepticism by many Americans, who referred to it as “Seward’s Folly”. However, the purchase of Alaska was eventually seen as a wise decision, and it has been credited with opening up the West to American settlement.

Statehood Movement

Early Advocates for Statehood

The movement for Alaska statehood began in the early 20th century, when a number of prominent Alaskans began advocating for it. The first major advocate was William Egan, who served as the first governor of Alaska after it became a state. He was a strong proponent of statehood and worked tirelessly to make it happen. He was joined by other prominent Alaskans, including James Wickersham, a federal judge who wrote a book advocating for statehood and helped organize a statehood convention in Alaska in 1938.

Alaska Statehood Act

The movement for statehood gained momentum in the 1950s, when Congress passed the Alaska Statehood Act. This act granted Alaska the right to form a state government and hold a constitutional convention. The convention was held in 1955, and the delegates wrote a constitution for the new state of Alaska. The constitution was approved by Congress in 1958, and Alaska officially became the 49th state on January 3, 1959.

The statehood movement was a long and difficult process, but it was ultimately successful due to the hard work and dedication of the early advocates for statehood. Their efforts paved the way for Alaska to become a state and enjoy the benefits of full statehood.

Post-Statehood

Impact of Statehood

Statehood had a significant impact on Alaska. It allowed the state to become a part of the United States, and it enabled Alaskans to have representation in Congress. This allowed the state to have a voice in the national conversation and to be able to influence decisions that were being made. Additionally, statehood allowed Alaska to have access to federal funds, which enabled the state to invest in infrastructure, education, and other services. This allowed the state to become more self-sufficient and to develop its own economy.

Statehood also allowed Alaska to gain control of its natural resources. This enabled the state to develop its oil and gas industry, which has been a major economic driver for the state. Additionally, statehood allowed Alaska to have control over its fisheries, which has been a major source of revenue for the state. This has allowed the state to become more economically independent and to provide jobs for its citizens.

Challenges Faced by Alaska

Despite the many benefits of statehood, Alaska has faced a number of challenges since becoming a state. One of the biggest challenges has been the cost of living in the state. Alaska is one of the most expensive states to live in, and this has been a major challenge for many Alaskans. Additionally, the state has faced challenges with its infrastructure, which has been a major issue for many rural communities.

The state has also faced challenges with its economy. The state’s economy is heavily reliant on the oil and gas industry, and the state has struggled to diversify its economy. This has led to a number of economic downturns in the state, and it has been a major challenge for the state. Additionally, the state has faced challenges with its education system, which has been a major issue for many Alaskans.

Finally, the state has faced challenges with its environment. Alaska is a large and diverse state, and it has faced a number of environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing. These have been major issues for the state, and the state has had to invest in environmental protection in order to protect its natural resources.

Alaska's journey to statehood was a long and difficult one. After decades of advocacy and hard work, Alaska was finally granted statehood in 1959. This was a major milestone in Alaska's history, as it opened up many opportunities for the state. Statehood allowed Alaska to have more control over its own affairs and resources, and it gave Alaskans a greater voice in the nation's political process. Statehood also brought economic growth to Alaska, as it allowed for increased investment and development. Today, Alaska is a thriving state with a bright future ahead. Statehood has been a major factor in Alaska's success, and it will continue to shape the state's future for years to come.