1 . History of Alaska State

The existence of mankind in Alaska can be traced back to 16, 000 B.C. to 10, 000 B.C., when the Paleolithic(旧石器时代) families crossed the Bering Land Bridge and formed settlements in the western part of Alaska. At this point of time, Alaska was inhabited by the Inuit tribes(部落) and American Indians.     1    

In the 18th century. the Russians began to regularly travel down to the Aleutian Islands, near the coastline of Alaska.     2     These expeditions began setting up permanent settlements and trading posts by the end of 1790s.

In some places, the Russian fur traders were able to establish very peaceful relations with the native tribes. However, in some places, the settlers and the tribes engaged in constant conflicts.     3     The Aleut population, however, was significantly wiped out, due to diseases that were brought by the Russians, against which they had no immunity.

    4     It was because the trade profits of the Russian settlements were very low and it was difficult to prevent British and Americans from coming to Alaska. The financial difficulties of Russia promoted the authorities to sell Alaska to the United States of America for $7, 200,000.

On October, 1867, the flag of the United States of America was raised for the first time in the history of Alaska. During the World War Il, three Aleutian Islands were occupied by the Japanese forces. Some of the villagers were taken to Japan as captives. The islands were regained by the United States forces in 1943.

Today, as a part of the United States of America, Alaska is considered to be one of the most beautiful states in the country.     5     Its beauty attracts visitors not only from within the United States but also from all over the world.