Anchorage, Alaska

Alaska Railroad Depot, Anchorage
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anchorage_RR_depot.jpg
Author: Reywas92


Anchorage is the biggest city, but not the capital, of the state of Alaska. It lies between the Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. One in every two Alaskan lives in or around Anchorage - which isn't that many, as the state only has a population of 700,000 people.

Unlike other towns that came up in Alaska, Anchorage was devoid of minerals or fishing fleet. It came into being because of the railway construction of the Alaska Railroad. The site where the railroad headquarters was located became a frontier town, and on 23 November, 1920, Anchorage was incorporated. By the 1930's, it has become an important air transportation and military base. Its civilian airport opened in 1951.

A massive 9.2 magnitude earthquake hit Anchorage on Good Friday, 27 March, 1964 causing $1.8 billion in damage (in 2007 dollars), and substantial lost of lives. It was the second biggest earthquake in recorded history.

Most visitors come to Anchorage during the summer months, when the days are long and the temperature more "bearable". The best months to visit are between May and September.

Anchorage, as seen from Earthquake Park
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Anchorage_from_Earthquake_Park.jpg
Author: Frank K.


Portage Glacier, Anchorage
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Portage_Glacier_from_Portage_Pass_trail.jpg
Author: Frank K

Travel to Anchorage

The main international gateway to Anchorage is the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), which receives flights from most major cities in the United States. The airport has two terminals. A free shuttle bus connects the South (Domestic) terminal with the North (International) terminal. There are buses going between the airport and downtown Anchorage as well as to various locations in the city.

Travel within Anchorage

Although not a big city, Anchorage is quite spread out, making it not so convenient to explore on foot. I would encourage you to rent a car. It can be expensive, though, about $200 per day in summer for a large passenger vehicle. If you have the time and need to budget, then take the bus. It's not the most convenient option, but at $1.75 per journey or $4 per one-day pass, it is the cheapest form of travel.

Chugach Mountains, as seen from Anchorage
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chugach_Mountains_from_Anchorage_%281%29.jpg
Author: Wonderlane

Places of Interest in Anchorage

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Hello and thanks for reading this page. My name is Timothy and my hobby is in describing places so that I can share the information with the general public. My website has become the go to site for a lot of people including students, teachers, journalists, etc. whenever they seek information on places, particularly those in Malaysia and Singapore. I have been doing this since 5 January 2003, for over twenty years already. You can read about me at Discover Timothy. By now I have compiled information on thousands of places, mostly in Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore, and I continue to add more almost every day. My goal is to describe every street in every town in Malaysia and Singapore.