Explore America and discover people, places, art, and history that connect to Alaska in the Smithsonian’s collections, held in trust for the American people. The territory of Alaska was purchased from Russia in 1867 and was admitted to the Union in 1959. The northernmost and largest state is known for its rugged wilderness, glaciers, and Kodiak bears. Alaska is home to many Indigenous peoples. The Anchorage Museum honors these communities and their traditions and is home to the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center. Indigenous peoples of the area developed essential winter gear such as kayaks, snow goggles, toboggans, mukluks, and parkas to survive the state’s arctic climate.
Alaska has inspired some of American literature’s most memorable stories. Jack London set two of his most famous books, Call of the Wild and White Fang, in its icy landscape. In 1925, sled dogs Balto and Togo helped save lives by delivering diphtheria antitoxin to Nome in a heroic journey known as the Great Race of Mercy. Commemorating this feat, the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Race is an extreme sporting event covering over 1,000 miles. Alaska Sports Hall of Famer Libby Riddles was the first woman to win the race, and Fairbanks native Lance Mackey has won it four times.
In 2006, Alaska elected Sarah Palin as its first female governor. In 2008, Palin became the first woman to run for vice president on a national Republican ticket.