Alaska, the 49th State

This is a special day for Alaska.

Alaska was purchased from Russia for 7 million dollars March 30, 1867. Since that time the most northwest state has gone through several administrative changes until it became an organized territory on May 11, 1912.

Alaska became a state on January 3, 1959. Alaska is 49 years old!

The name Alaska came from the native Aleut alaxsxaq, meaning "the mainland", or literally "the object towards which the action of the sea is directed". The meaning has shifted a bit until today when it is advertised as "the great land".

The vehicle there is my old Land Cruiser. I drove it up the Alcan Highway from Texas in 1992.

Happy 49th birthday to the 49th State!

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