Juneau, Alaska

Wed, Mar 26th 2008, 00:00

Juneau, Alaska, must be one of the world’s most inaccessible capital cities.


Sandwiched by mountains and the impenetrable 1,500 square mile Juneau Icefield on one side and the Gulf of Alaska on the other, Juneau cannot be reached by road. It is only accessible by air or sea.

Though Juneau is the third largest city in Alaska with a population of 30,000, there is a special remoteness about the place. Southeast Alaska has the mildest weather in Alaska and is a popular tourist destination. Juneau is the starting point to reach Glacier Bay and the surrounds offer a range of outdoor adventure.

Juneau started as a gold mining town. Two vagabond gold prospectors, Dick Harris and Joe Juneau were led to the area by the chief of the Tlingit tribe, Chief Kowee in 1880. They discovered a wealth of gold nuggets and within the year a gold rush resulted in a small town. Gold mining was halted during the second world war but there have been recent efforts to revive the industry in Juneau.

Juneau became Alaska’s capital in 1906 and government workers make up a large proportion of the population. In the summer months the town sees an influx of cruise ship visitors who dock at Juneau harbour for a mad shopping spree.

Featured Businesses

Juneau, Alaska reviews

There are no reviews available. Be the first to submit a review!

Login to comment