A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....10-19, 20-05...North to Alaska!

Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Dutchess, DollyCali, Mama_Bear ~

We're
"On the Road Again"...

Please join "A Few of FR's Finest" as we make a cyber-visit to another state in this great Union of ours.

Over the past couple years each "Finest" hostess has profiled her home state for the Finest Thread. The remaining states are being presented, about one a month, in random order. We hope you are enjoying these visits to our beautiful United States. Please FReepMail me if you would like to participate in spotlighting your Fine state. I would appreciate your ideas and suggestions on what you would like to see highlighted.

These are the states
we have presented to date:

05-23-03 Alabama 06-27-03 Maryland 07-11-03 Vermont 07-25-03 Utah 08-05-03 Texas 08-22-03 Nevada 08-26-03 Wash DC 09-05-03 Tennessee 09-17-03 Florida 09-19-03 Minnesota 10-03-03 New Mexico 10-14-03 Georgia 10-17-03 Louisiana 10-22-03 Michigan 11-04-03 South Dakota 11-14-03 California 01-09-04 South Carolina

02-06-04 West Virginia 02-20-04 Oregon 03-09-04 Pennsylvania 03-30-04 Wyoming 04-13-04 Mississippi 04-27-04 Missouri 05-25-04 Indiana 07-21-04 Virginia 08-18-04 Colorado 09-29-04 Idaho 10-20-04 New Hampshire 12-07-04 Hawaii 02-09-05 Maine 03-09-05 North Carolina 04-13-05 Arizona 06-15-05 Iowa

Today we are visiting our 49th state ~
The Last Frontier!

Click above to go to the Alaska Message Board.

Alaska's History in Brief

Russian Colonization

The disastrous voyage of Vitus Bering and Aleksey Chirikov in 1741 began the march of Russian traders across Siberia. The survivors who returned with sea otter skins started a rush of fur hunters to the Aleutian Islands. Grigori Shelekhov in 1784 founded the first permanent settlement in Alaska on Kodiak Island and sent (1790) to Alaska the man who was to dominate the period of Russian influence there, Aleksandr Baranov. A monopoly was granted to the Russian American Company in 1799, and it was Baranov who directed its Alaskan activities.

The Russian Orthodox Church and Native Alaskans

The primary goal of the Alaska mission was to convert the Native population to Orthodox Christianity. Conversion was encouraged by the Tsar, as head of the Church, and by the hierarchy. Rules for converting Natives strictly forbade using coercion. Orthodox missionaries were generally successful in their conversions, more so among the Aleuts and Eskimos than the Tlingits. Among the obstacles to conversion were the language barrier, and the shamanistic traditions of the Natives, deeply entrenched in the culture.

Today, Alaskans are proud of their Russian heritage and active Orthodox Churches are to be found in many towns.

Early Years as a U.S. Possession

In 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the United States for $7,200,000. The U.S. purchase was accomplished solely through the determined efforts of Secretary of State William H. Seward, and for many years afterward the land was derisively called Seward's Folly or Seward's Icebox because of its supposed uselessness. Since Alaska appeared to offer no immediate financial return, it was neglected. The U.S. army officially controlled the area until 1876, when scandals caused the withdrawal of the troops. After a brief period, during which government was in the hands of customs officials, the U.S. navy was given charge (1879). It was not until after the discovery of gold in the Juneau region in 1880 that Alaska was given a governor and a feeble local administration.

The Gold Rush

The Klondike strike of 1896 brought a stampede, mainly of Americans, and most of them came through Alaska. The big discoveries in Alaska itself followed—Nome in 1898–99, Fairbanks in 1902. The miners and prospectors (the sourdoughs) took over Alaska.

"North to Alaska,
They're goin' North,
the rush is on!"

The steamship Portland had just pulled into Seattle, returning from the Yukon with over a ton of gold. Her arrival instantly sparked an all-out human stampede for the Yukon.
To seek their fortunes in the Yukon gold fields, prospectors had to make their way along the Inside Passage, cross the Chilkoot Mountains with a ton of supplies, build a raft or boat during the long, hard winter, and then float 550 miles down the Yukon River to Dawson. After reaching Dawson, each prospector had to stake a claim and spend countless weeks, months, or years digging his claim before panning or sluicing the dirt, hoping to strike it rich, but more likely scratching out a meager existence.

While the gold fields lay far to the north, towns like Skagway and Dyea became boomtowns almost overnight. These towns marked the start of the overland portion of the Trail of ‘98 – Alaska’s gateway to the Klondike. With numerous saloons, brothels, and a full complement of gunslingers, con men, drunkards, and outlaws, Skagway was a feral, lawless Wild West of the north.

Most of the would-be prospectors came to Alaska with little or no knowledge of mining or backcountry survival. Many soon found themselves questing no longer merely for fortune, but for their very survival. Not surprisingly, of the 100,000 who set out, only a few thousand ever reached the gold fields – and only a mere handful ever struck it rich.

~ A Historical Vignette ~

Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith was a Western crook with the gift of organization. A southern charmer and a master of the bait and switch, he was a confidence man who dressed like a judge, sat on a horse like a prince, and spoke like a bishop. He honed his skills in Texas and Colorado. Gradually he gathered shills and toughs around him, and commanded his gang of “lambs” as a colonel might command a battalion. When the Klondike Gold Rush began in 1897, he knew that the tenderfeet headed for northern goldfields would be ripe for the picking, and chose raw, lawless Skagway as his headquarters. In this bleak settlement at the head of Alaska’s Lynn Canal, he constructed an empire that any Mafia don might envy. However, less than a year later, the town had had enough of Soapy. He was killed by Frank Reid, in 1898 when he was 38 years old. Soapy's life story is a rip-snorting portrait of the rise to power of a man without a conscience. It reveals the strong-arm robberies, bloody trail murders, illegitimate businesses, rigged card games, and garish, candle-lit honky-tonks of the Gold Rush.


One of Soapy's best cons involved his "telegraph office." Recent arrivals were greeted by men who offered to send telegrams to their families for only $5. Most people did not look behind the "telegraph office" to notice that the wires ended a few yards out.

Territorial Status

Juneau officially replaced Sitka as capital in 1900, but it did not begin to function as such until 1906. In the same year Alaska was finally awarded a territorial representative in Congress. A new era began for Alaska when local government was established in 1912 and it became a U.S. territory.

Statehood

In 1958, Alaskans approved statehood by a 5 to 1 vote, and on Jan. 3, 1959, Alaska was officially admitted into the Union as a state, the first since Arizona in 1912.

• Outsiders first discovered Alaska in 1741 when Danish explorer Vitus Jonassen Bering sighted it on a voyage from Siberia.
   
• In 1867 United States Secretary of State William H. Seward offered Russia $7,200,000, or two cents per acre, for Alaska.
   
• On October 18, 1867 Alaska officially became the property of the United States. Many Americans called the purchase "Seward's Folly."
   
• Joe Juneau's 1880 discovery of gold ushered in the gold rush era.
   
• In 1943 Japan invaded the Aleutian Islands, which started the One Thousand Mile War, the first battle fought on American soil since the Civil War.
   
• Alaska officially became the 49th state on January 3, 1959.
   
• Alaska's most important revenue source is the oil and natural gas industry.
   
• The state of Rhode Island could fit into Alaska 425 times.
   
• Prudhoe Bay, on the northern Alaskan coast, is North America's largest oil field.
   
• The Trans-Alaska Pipeline moves up to 88,000 barrels of oil per hour on its 800 mile journey to Valdez.
   
• Most of America's salmon, crab, halibut, and herring come from Alaska.
   
• The term Alaska native refers to Alaska's original inhabitants including Aleut, Eskimo and Indian groups.
   
• Dog mushing is the official state sport. The Alaska Legislature adopted it in 1972.
   
  Click here to read about
  "The Last Great Race on Earth", the Iditarod!
  
  
• The state motto is North to the Future.
   
• Gold is the official state mineral. It was named the state mineral in 1968.
   
• Alaska has been called America's Last Frontier.
   
• Every four years Alaskans elect a Governor and a Lieutenant Governor to four-year terms.
   
• The Alaska State Legislature is made up of a Senate and a House of Representatives.
   
• Twenty senators are elected to four-year terms; forty representatives serve two-year terms.
   
• Alaska's Constitution was adopted in 1956 and became effective in 1959 making it the 49th state.
   
• Nearly one-third of Alaska lies within the Arctic Circle.
   
• The Alaska Highway was originally built as a military supply road during World War II.
   
• The state boasts the lowest population density in the nation.
   
• The discovery of gold in the Yukon began a gold rush in 1898. Later gold was discovered at Nome and Fairbanks.
   
• Alaska is a geographical marvel. When a scale map of Alaska is superimposed on a map of the 48 lower states, Alaska extends from coast to coast.
   
• The state's coastline extends over 6,600 miles.
   
• Alaska is the United State's largest state and is over twice the size of Texas. Measuring from north to south the state is approximately 1,400 miles long and measuring from east to west it is 2,700 miles wide.
   
• Alaska's geographic center is 60 miles northwest of Mount McKinley.
   
• The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the United States.
   
• 17 of the 20 highest peaks in the United States are located in Alaska.
   
• At 20,320 feet above sea level, Mt. McKinley, located in Alaska's interior, is the highest point in North America.
   
  
• Juneau is the only capital city in the United States accessible only by boat or plane.
   
• The state's largest city is Anchorage; the second largest is Fairbanks.
   
• The Alaska Range is the largest mountain chain in the state. It covers from the Alaska Peninsula to the Yukon Territory.
   
• In 1915 the record high temperature in Alaska was 100 degrees Fahrenheit at Fort Yukon; the record low temperature was -80 degrees Fahrenheit at Prospect Creek Camp in 1971.
   
• The Alaskan malamute sled dog is strong and heavily coated. It was developed as a breed by a group of Eskimos named the Malemiuts.  
• Alaska's name is based on the Eskimo word Alakshak meaning great lands or peninsula.
   
• Agattu, Attu, and Kiska are the only parts of North America occupied by Japanese troops during World War II.
   
• Oil is the state's most valuable natural resource. The area includes what is thought to be the largest oil field in North America.
   
• In 1986 Mount Augustine erupted near Anchorage.
   

The "30-30-30" Rule

Polar and Alaskan explorers cite the "30-30-30" rule,
which states that at -30°F, with winds of 30 MPH,
human flesh will freeze solid in 30 seconds!

Alaska king crab fishing is considered to be one of the most dangerous jobs in North America. Every year, hundreds of fearless crab fishermen endure extreme weather conditions and harsh work environments with assertive hopes of catching excessive amounts of the most desirable seafood in the world- King crab!

Deep in the frigid waters of the Bering Sea lurks the highly lucrative — and yet often elusive — king crab. Each year, approximately 250 boats converge on Dutch Harbor, Alaska, awaiting the official harvesting season. It could be four days in length or as many as 12 — the fishermen won't know until the voice of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game crackles across their radios to announce the beginning and end of the fishing season.

Forty-foot waves, freezing temperatures, swinging 700-pound crab pots, a nearly 100 percent injury rate ... but also the chance to earn enough money for a family to live on for a year or more, for just a few days' work. Welcome to one of the world's deadliest jobs — that of the Alaskan crab fisherman.

So, the next time you order Alaskan King Crab at your favorite restaurant, remember the men who risked life and limb to bring this wonderful (and expensive) delicacy to your table. :-)

Read more HERE about "The Deadliest Catch".

The following websites provided information
and graphics for this presentation...

Scoundrels Gallery
Wild Things Photography
The Russian Church and Native Alaskan Cultures
The 49th State

09-27-05 ~ Hall of Fame #13

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 10-17-05 Military Monday 10-18-05 Poetry and Potpourri at the Finest

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[Mama_Bear]

My goodness, that moose does get around! LOL

[Mama_Bear]

Absolutely beautiful job Lori

Thanks sistah. Sorry it has taken me so long to get to your post, it has just been crazy around here. I can't keep up. I saw your post to me, then went to answer it and couldn't find you again. Finally had to do a search for "dutchess" latest posts to come up with it. LOL

Speaking of Alaskan King Crab, if you ever get the chance to see the Discovery Channel's documentary "The Deadliest Catch" (I think it is called), be sure to watch it. It is SO dangerous and the conditions so rough, I just sat enthralled and amazed at what those brave sailors do to bring in those crabs.

[JRandomFreeper]

No, Google Alaskan Road Project. I was stationed on Annette Island, about 9 NM SSW of Ketchikan.

Ketchikan was our civilization. We were camping out, and got to go to town occasionally. It was pretty..... RUSTIC... I think is a good term.

Steamers may be in good hands when you return, so give it the benefit of trying an appetizer... If it doesn't show up quickly and tasting great... beat feet to the Gilmore.

/john

[Kathy in Alaska]

Outside the side door of the garage.

Backyard.

[luvie]

Beautiful wastelands, Lady. And, of course, another wonderful story! Thanks!

[luvie]

LOL! Well, the sentiment was there. :o)

You're welcome to my plaid or to anything else you like!

[Mama_Bear]

No, Google Alaskan Road Project. I was stationed on Annette Island, about 9 NM SSW of Ketchikan.

Oh, okay. Thanks, I Googled it: Alaskan road project resumes on Annette Island . Now I understand where you were and why. :-)

[DollyCali]

Reminds me a "tad" of Transporter 2. did you see it?

[DollyCali]

Lori, why isn't Thackney's name on as one of the thread co=posters?

:-)

Thackney, you have been a WONDERFUL person to bring so many personal pix/comments etc to this thread. I just got home & had fun with your posts (the kitty & moose was amazing)

Thank you

Has someone pinged the Alaska state board? (guessing they have)..

and

Sistah's, can I keep Thackney? I promise to feed, walk and play wiht him/her daily!!!!!

[Mama_Bear]

It's a great town, but it's population is about 16000 and tourists double that when there are 5 boats in town. I know that after a couple of months, I learned to count how many boats were in moorage (as we came into Ketchikan for liberty), and figure out whether I wanted to go downtown or not.....

I hear what you're saying.

I think when we were there, we were the only cruise ship docked in Ketchikan, but in Juneau, there were at least three other ships along with us. You couldn't even get into the Red Dog Saloon - it was just over-run with tourists.

[Texas Termite]

LOL..... I heard horror stories about the cold at Fairbanks! My Dad said it was worse than Kodiak!!

Yes....Anchorage was "the place" to be. Our schools were wonderful, for the most part the roads were good and those who lived off base were welcomed by all. We lived off base for several years. It was great there too!

I remember swimming in Greenly Lake when it was 65 and thought it was wonderful!! I think that's the way you spell it. I also remember a snowfall that necessitated us going out through my upstairs bedroom window to exit the house. No snow blowers back then!!

From Alaska we went to the Baltimore area. Sadly, that's where Dad had his heart attack so my memories of Blt. are anything but good.

Both of the Dakotas are some of my favorite places. I've only been there in the late spring/early summer... so what you experienced happily I missed!!

Do you realize how fortunate we are to have seen and been where we have? So many people today can't travel and when they do, it's by air and interstate. No side trips, no talking to the locals. Always in a hurry to get nowhere fast. Thank Heaven as I have walked this road of life, I was taught to stop and smell the roses. Even when I go to check on TC's place in the country, I take back roads and go through the little towns. I don't want to miss a thing along life's way.

Nana

[DollyCali]

Hi John, got back a few min ago. sorry I missed you but looks like you fit right in.

all.. john is not only military.. but a professional chef & also a top flight IT guy. and likes pets & has a good sense of humor.

John, we have quite a few active & reserve & retired military men AND women who frequent this thread. so glad you shared some of what you did this past year in Alaska. Hope you can share some pix maybe tomorrow. do you have a server to park pix on? You can use mine if you need to.

[DollyCali]

Welcome Back Mr. ScubaChick

Have a wonderful time wth your family & friends

Thank you for your service to our country

[Darksheare]

Haven't seen it yet.
*sigh*

[Mama_Bear]

Lori, why isn't Thackney's name on as one of the thread co=posters?

LOL!! If I were psychic, I surely would have put his name on the thread as a co-host! He has done a great job helping me host this thread and I can't thank him enough.

LOL. Sorry, thackney, I am talking about you as if you are not here. BTW, you have a beautiful family. Love that portrait of the four of you!

Sistah's, can I keep Thackney? I promise to feed, walk and play wiht him/her daily!!!!!

Only if you promise to bring him by the Finest every couple days. LOL

[JRandomFreeper]

john is not only military.. but a professional chef & also a top flight IT guy. and likes pets & has a good sense of humor.

And is single. His teeth fit well, he doesn't scratch in public, and he likes quiet walks in the rain. 8>) It sounds like an ad.....

/john

[Mama_Bear]

You're welcome to my plaid or to anything else you like!

Thank you. I was so hoping you would say that. I really didn't want to have to give it back. LOL

[luvie]

LOL! That could have caused a mighty tug-of-war! Shoot--I've probably borrowed stuff from you, too! :o)

[JustAmy]

Great News. Thanks for letting us know, Lori.

Scuba Chick, tell Scuba Daddy that we thank him for his service and are thrilled that he is home with you and BabyChick.

[JustAmy]

Good evening, MamaBear.

I just skimmed the thread. It is beautiful. I'm sooo happy that it is a two-day thread.

It's been a busy day and am just now settling down for the evening. Marissa is in bed but not asleep.

I had hoped to get a flu shot this morning but the doc had a sign on his door that flu shots had been cancelled due to not getting the shipment. I wonder if it is going to be like last year. Bummmmmer.

Thank you for this lovely thread. I've bookmarked it for further reading later.