Anchorage, Alaska
Population: 260,283
Located in Anchorage Borough
Alaska was purchased in 1867 from Russia for 7.2 Million. The total landmass is roughly 570,374 square miles. It is 16.1% of the total landmass of the United States. There are more than 100,000 glaciers, 3 million lakes and 33,904 miles of coastline. It is the home of the 2 largest national forests. The Tongass National Forest is approximately 16 million acres and the Chugach Nation Forest is 4.8 million acres. It is also home to the highest peak in North America, Mount Denali. There are four basic ways to get to Alaska. The Alcan Highway is the road that comes up through Canada and into Alaska. There is also a state owned ferry system called the Alaskan Marine Highway. Cruise ships are another means by which visitors arrive in Alaska. Lastly, flying to Alaska is around 3.5 hours from Seattle to Anchorage. Alaska's largest city lies between the Knik and Turnagain arms of Cook Inlet and the rugged Chugach Mountains. It is home to more than approximately 300,000 residents, 40 percent of the state's population, and serves as the financial, communications and transportation hub of Alaska. The municipal boundaries stretch for more than 50 miles from Portage Glacier to the head of Cook Inlet and encompass 1,955 square miles. Anchorage started its growth in 1914 when Congress granted permission for a publicly owned railroad. Thousands of workers and their families formed a makeshift community around the Ship Creek Landing area and called it 'tent city'. The city spread out over time to form this area. Anchorage is now the largest city in Alaska with over 50% of Alaska's entire population living here. The population is currently estimated to be 300,000 people with up to 1.2 million people visiting every year. Anchorage is bordered by the Cook Inlet on the West and the Chugach National Forest to the East. To the North is the community of Eagle River and then Palmer and Wasilla in the Matanuska Valley further north. South from Anchorage is Girdwood home of the Alyeska ski resort, a short 20 minute commute from Anchorage. Further South you will progress to the Kenai Peninsula or Seaward. Anchorage is the hub of communication, transportation, health care, finance, and trade industries for the state. The city is the air crossroads for transporting goods and services on east-west routes between Russia, the Pacific Rim countries and the United States. The two military bases located in Anchorage are Elmendorf Air Force Base and Fort Richardson, an army base located at the northeast of town. There is also Kulis Air National Guard Base with its acclaimed Search and Rescue Unit. In Anchorage there are a total of 228 city maintained parks that are a total of 14,454 acres. In addition, there are 100 miles of paved bike trails and 133 kilometers of ski trails all maintained by the Municipality of Anchorage. Hilltop ski area is a small ski slope that is located in Anchorage. There are also golf courses that are public and privately owned as well as a course provided for military. Anchorage is a city of contrast and variety. After a brisk day of dogsledding, you can dine at a four-star restaurant. The next day you can find yourself cross-country skiing the same trails used by the U.S. Olympic team and later bed down in a cozy bed and breakfast. Surrounded by all the beauty and activities of Alaska, Anchorage offers a unique blend of spectacular scenery, Russian and Native heritage, Alaskan adventure and big city amenities. Retail outlets include but are not limited to: JC Penney's, Sears, Nordstrom, Gap, Eddie Bauer, Abercrombie & Fitch, Costco/ Sams, Fred Meyers, Best Buy, Gateway, Comp USA, Wal Mart, Office Depot, Safeway, REI, Sports Authority, Home Depot, Lowes. Restaurants include but are not limited to Sullivan's, TGI Fridays, Chili's, Boston's, Outback Steakhouse, Cattle Co, Tony Roma's and many other fine restaurants.
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