Juneau, AK Area Guide
Juneau is located in the Gastineau Channel of Southeast Alaska, and is 900 air miles north of Seattle and 600 air miles southeast of Anchorage. It has been the capital of Alaska since 1906. The current population of Juneau is approximately 31,000. Juneau’s economy is based on government, tourism, mining and fishing. Juneau is one of the most friendly and beautiful state capitals in the nation.
History
The Gastineau Channel was originally fishing grounds for local Tlingit Indians. The area became a focus of attention in the late 1800’s when a Tlingit named Kowee provided gold ore samples in response to a reward offered by George Pilz, a Sitka engineer. Pilz grubstaked prospectors Richard Harris and Joseph Juneau in August 1880. They found plenty of color in Gold Creek, but did not follow the gold to its source. At Kowee’s urging, Pilz sent the pair back again. Harris and Juneau climbed Snow Slide Gulch at the head of Gold Creek and looked down into the mother lode of Quartz Gulch and Silver Bow Basin.
On October 18, they staked a 160 acre town site on the beach where they were joined by the first boatloads of prospectors bound for the new strike on Gastineau Channel. The discovery was the first that resulted in the founding of an Alaskan town.
Juneau grew from a boomtown to a center for large-scale hard-rock mining when the loose gold in the stream beds ran out. On the mainland side of the Channel, two great mills were created: the Alaska-Juneau at the south end of Juneau and the Alaska-Gastineau at Thane. On Douglas Island, the ground reverberated with 960 stamps of the world-renowned Treadwell Gold Mining Company.
Treadwell production peaked in 1915. Two years later, a cave-in flooded three of the four mines, effectively ending the Treadwell era. In Juneau, the Alaska-Gastineau folded from high costs in 1921.
Juneau was established as Alaska’s capital in 1906 when the government was transferred from Sitka. Today, federal, state and local government employs one out of every two Juneau workers. Tourism is the largest private employer and continues to grow. Commercial fishing and mining continue to play a role in Juneau’s economy.
The Juneau Parks and Recreation Department is committed to promoting recreational and cultural opportunities for all citizens and visitors. The department is also dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the City and Borough of Juneau facilities and resources.
Attractions and Activities
Juneau has many attractions and activities that will suit every interest your family may have. Come visit the Juneau-Douglas City Museum or take a ride on the Mount Roberts Tramway. You certainly won’t want to miss out on any of these exciting ventures when you visit Juneau!
Juneau-Douglas City Museum
The mission of the Juneau-Douglas City Museum is to foster an awareness of Juneau’s cultural heritage, values and community memory, so that people may draw strength and perspective from the past, inspire learning, and find purpose for the future.
The Juneau-Douglas City Museum will collect, preserve interpret, and exhibit those materials that document the cultures and history of the Juneau and Douglas area.
Patsy Ann Statue
Patsy Ann, a Bull Terrier, was born in Portland, Oregon on October 12, 1929 and came to Juneau as a pup. She died in Juneau on March 30, 1942. On the following day, a small crowd watched as her coffin was lowered into Gastineau Channel just a short distance from where her sculpture now sits.
Because of her unerring sense of the imminent arrival of each ship that visited Juneau and her faithful welcome at wharf side, Juneau Mayor Goldstein dubbed Patsy Ann "Official Greeter of Juneau, Alaska" in 1934.
Patsy Ann was stone deaf from birth, but she somehow "heard" the whistles of approaching ships long before they came into sight, and headed at a fast trot for the wharf. She was never wrong. During the 1930's her image adorned post cards sold by curio shops and for many visitors, she was the highlight of their visit to Juneau. Local author Carl Burrows published a "little book" in 1939, simply titled Patsy Ann. Patsy Ann captured the hearts of Juneau's citizens with her dignity, honesty, and devotion to her duties as "Official Greeter of Juneau, Alaska".
Mount Roberts Tramway
Soar to new heights in scenic adventure aboard the Mount Roberts Tramway, Juneau’s top attraction, and experience the best Alaska has to offer. Aboard you’ll see breathtaking views of the harbor, sea and mountains, native and historical art and artist demonstrations, wildlife and alpine flowers, Juneau Raptor Center Bald Eagle Display and much more.
Tongass National Forest
The Tongass National Forest is the nation's largest national forest and covers most of Southeast Alaska, surrounding the famous Inside Passage. It offers unique chances to view eagles, bears, spawning salmon, and the breathtaking vistas of “wild” Alaska. You can take a sled-dog ride on a glacier, hike boardwalk trails, fish in streams or ocean, or just relax at a remote cabin.
For a detailed list of Attractions in Juneau, AK please visit: http://www.juneau.org/visitors/index.php
Events
Juneau has something to offer everyone! Keep you and your family entertained throughout the year with all of the great events that Juneau is home to. Whether you enjoy music, festivals, running, boating, or museums, Juneau has something exciting waiting for you!
Juneau Symphony
The mission of the Juneau Symphony is to give local musicians a platform to perform and develop musically, to provide live, high quality symphonic music for the community, and to offer musical opportunities and support for youth. An example of this is a recent afternoon family show that was fun for all ages as each section of the orchestra is introduced through classic family favorites. In the same evening, you were able to experience the sophisticated side of Britten, Saint-Saens, Tchaikovsky and more. An hour before the evening performance concert-goers enjoyed Concert Conversations with symphony conductor Kyle Wylie Pickett.
Juneau Museum Day
Juneau's museums are open and free to the public from noon to 5:00 p.m. with shuttle service between sites. Participants include the Alaska State Museum, Juneau-Douglas City Museum, the Last Chance Mining Museum, St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, and the House of Wickersham.
Juneau Public Market
The Juneau Public Market is a holiday bazaar each November that includes arts and crafts, imports, food products, photography, wearable art and much more.
For a detailed list of Events in Juneau, please visit http://business.juneauchamber.com/events/
For more details about Juneau, AK please visit: http://www.juneau.org/
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