Capital City Leaves Sitka

Although not yet a state, Alaska became part of the United States territories in 1867. Sitka was the center of government and capital city when Alaska was part of the Russian territory. However, in 1880, gold deposits were discovered in what would become Juneau, Alaska by Joe Juneau and Richard Harris. Unsurprisingly, this caused the Juneau population to surge. In the early years, only two ships a month made Sitka runs. It quickly became difficult to settle land disputes, contracts and other legal matters. An attorney who failed to settle a legal matter within a small window, waited up to two weeks to secure transportation home.

Therefore, Alaskan attorneys began to pressure Congress to pass a bill that would move Alaska’s seat of government to Juneau. The fur and whaling industries that led to Sitka’s prominence had started to fade. Towns such as Fairbanks and Anchorage did not yet exist. As the largest city in the interwar period, Juneau made the most sense.

Then-governor John Brady resisted the move, as he had a home, family and friends in Sitka. In 1900, President William McKinley signed the Alaska Bill, or Civil Code, naming Juneau the capital city. After six years of resistance, the Interior Department terminated Brady’s tenure. Then the Department gave Hoggatt the role of governor, as he did not mind the move. Juneau officially became the capital of Alaska in 1912.

Juneau Alaska Today

To this day, there are still no roads in or out of Juneau. Therefore, the capital city is only accessible by air or sea. Juneau is also the only state capital that borders a foreign country.

The capitol building sits in downtown Juneau. The building houses the Office of the Governor. The chambers for Alaska’s House of Representative and Senate are located here, as well. In addition to being the state’s capital city, Juneau draws high levels of tourism revenue. The breathtaking landscapes and an abundance of wildlife seen just outside of town, and many other factors, make Juneau an exciting place to visit.

Johnson Law has been serving Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your serious injury case. We are here to serve you.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Senior Voice Alaska; Travel Juneau

Image Source: Travel Juneau