What Was Alaska Called Before It Became a State?

Let's explore the names and historical phases that defined Alaska before its statehood.

The Land of Indigenous Peoples: Alyeska, Denali, and More

For at least 15,000 years, Alaska has been home to a rich tapestry of indigenous peoples. These diverse groups developed complex cultures perfectly adapted to the varied and often harsh environments, from the coastal rainforests to the Arctic tundra.

There wasn't a single name for the entire massive landmass, but rather distinct names for various regions, mountains, rivers, and bays in dozens of languages. Some prominent groups include:

• Inuit/Iñupiat and Yup'ik: Inhabiting the Arctic and Bering Sea coasts, with names for their specific hunting grounds and communities.
• Athabascan: Living in the interior, with names like Denali (meaning "The High One" or "Great One") for North America's tallest peak.
• Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian: Along the southeastern coast, they are known for their rich artistic traditions and deep connection to the sea.
• Aleut (Unangan): Inhabiting the Aleutian Islands, who were among the first to encounter Russian explorers.

The name "Alaska" itself is derived from the Aleut word "Alyeska" or "Alax̂sax̂," which broadly means "the mainland" or "great land," reflecting the vastness of the territory.

Russian America: Russkaya Amerika

The first Europeans to extensively explore and claim Alaska were the Russians. Vitus Bering, a Danish explorer in Russian service, led expeditions in 1728 and 1741, which opened the door to Russian fur traders.

Beginning in the mid-18th century, Russian promyshlenniki (fur trappers and traders) established a presence, primarily hunting sea otters and other marine mammals for their valuable pelts. Settlements and trading posts grew, notably at Kodiak and later Sitka (originally named New Archangel).

From the late 18th century until 1867, the entire region under Russian control was officially known as "Russian America" (Russkaya Amerika). This period saw significant exploitation of natural resources and often brutal treatment of indigenous populations, particularly the Aleuts. Sitka served as the capital of Russian America.

By the mid-19th century, Russian America was struggling. The fur trade had declined, the territory was vast and difficult to manage, and Russia feared losing it to Great Britain without compensation.

The Alaska Purchase: Department of Alaska

In a momentous decision, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia on March 30, 1867, for $7.2 million—about two cents per acre. The deal was orchestrated by U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward and was initially mocked as "Seward's Folly" or "Seward's Icebox" by critics who saw it as a barren wasteland.

Upon purchase, the territory was officially referred to by the U.S. government as the Department of Alaska. For the next 17 years, it was largely governed by the military (Army, Navy, and Treasury), with minimal direct administration. This was a period of neglect, but also one where American presence slowly grew, particularly with the salmon fishing industry.

District of Alaska (1884-1912)

Recognizing the need for a more structured civil government, Congress passed the First Organic Act of 1884, which established the District of Alaska. This provided for a governor, a district court, and other civil officials, though it still lacked a territorial legislature or a non-voting delegate to Congress. Lawmaking was primarily done by Congress in Washington D.C. This period saw the beginnings of modern infrastructure and the discovery of gold, leading to smaller gold rushes that predated the Klondike.

Territory of Alaska (1912-1959)

The discovery of gold in the Klondike region of Canada in 1896, and subsequent discoveries in Alaska (such as Nome and Fairbanks), triggered a massive influx of prospectors and settlers. This "Gold Rush" era dramatically increased Alaska's population and brought it to national attention.

With the growth came increased calls for self-governance. In 1912, Congress passed the Second Organic Act, officially establishing the Territory of Alaska. This granted Alaska its own legislature, allowing for more local control over its affairs, though many key decisions still rested with the federal government. Juneau became the territorial capital.

The territorial period saw further development, especially during World War II, when Alaska became a crucial strategic location, leading to massive military infrastructure projects like the Alaska Highway.

Statehood

After decades of Alaskan advocacy, a strong statehood movement gained momentum after World War II. In 1955, a constitutional convention was held, and a state constitution was drafted.

On January 3, 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the proclamation admitting Alaska to the Union as the 49th state, officially taking its place as the "Great Land."