Juneau
Juneau is the capital of Alaska.
A remote capital surrounded by mountains and ocean, reached only by airplane or boat.
What makes the capitol special
Built in 1931, Alaska’s Capitol was originally a federal building. It focuses on being useful rather than fancy, with a simple Art Deco design and no dome. The outside uses Indiana limestone and columns made of local Alaskan marble. Inside, the building has decorations with images of mining tools and the northern lights to honor the state’s history. When Alaska officially became a state in 1959, the federal government gave the building to the new state.
Three places to visit
- Mendenhall Glacier – You can get close-up views of this massive, 13-mile-long glacier, which is easy to reach from the city.
- Juneau Whale Watch Tour – See humpback whales, orcas, and sea lions feeding in the wild.
- Mount Roberts Tramway – Take a gondola ride 1,800 feet above the rainforest for amazing views of the city and the water below.
How the city got its name
The city is named after Joe Juneau, a prospector who found gold there in 1880. He discovered the gold with crucial help from Chief Kowee of the Auk Tlingit tribe. At first, the town was called “Harrisburg,” but eventually the city was renamed Juneau.
Why this city became the capital
Juneau replaced Sitka as Alaska’s capital in 1906. It was chosen because it was a busy mining center and port, and it offered better access to the interior of Alaska. However, Juneau is unique because there are no roads connecting it to the rest of the state or the rest of the United States. To get in or out, you must travel by airplane or boat.
From Celine Carlson’s 50 State Capitals: A Field Guide by a Girl Who Visited Them All, based on her visits to all 50 state capitals. About the author · Sources and research notes.