Many members of the military select Alaska as their place of permanent residence and choose to remain in the state when retiring. Over the years, the African-American population levels have fluctuated with the number of military personnel assigned to each base in Alaska.
Some Americans ridiculed the Russian colony of Alaska as "Seward's icebox" or "Walrussia" when Secretary of State William Seward negotiated its purchase in 1867. Yet after gold was discovered there in 1880, Alaska quickly became the latest frontier for those heeding the call of frontier adventure.
By 1941, Americans were investing Alaska with a new importance -- a potential front line in the battle against fascism. After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, the U.S. government initiated a highway-building project through Canada to Alaska in the name of homeland security.
In the years after World War II, Alaska joined the Union as the 49th state. Despite more development, it continues to offer vast wilderness and frontier adventures.
