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Anchorage, Alaska is best known as the city of lights and flowers. It is a bright city that is full of colors and life. It is located in the south central part of the state and is the largest city in Alaska. Approximate, two-fifths of the entire population in Alaska makes their loving homes in Anchorage.
Alaska was the 49th state to enter the union in the United States. It is also the northern most state and the largest state in regards to area. Anchorage was incorporated as a city in 1920. It is a city where the railroad was an important job and was the center of life for many people. Hundreds of people worked for the Alaskan railway in during the early part of the 20th century. However, oil was later discovered during the 1970s in Prudhoe Bay and the job outlook shifted from the railroad to the oil industry. Today, Anchorage Alaska is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. The average household income is $70,000+ per year.
Anchorage was devastated on Good Friday in 1964 when a massive earthquake rocked the city to the ground. It was recorded as 9.2 magnitude and 8.4 on the Richter scale and it shook the city for more than five minutes. Approximately 131 people were killed in this earthquake and thousands more were injured. To date, it is recorded as the worst earthquake in Alaska and in North American history. Remnants of this terrible earthquake can still be seen around Anchorage today.
Tourists come to Anchorage each year to see its abundance of wildlife. There are eight wildlife parks and four ski reports in Anchorage. So, there are plenty of places where visitors can go observe Alaskan wildlife. Bears, musk, moose, oxen, caribous, and thousands of species of different birds are just a few of the popular animals that roam the Anchorage and Alaskan country sides.
The weather in Anchorage is very unpredictable. The entire state of Alaska is considered to be a sub-artic climate, with very short summers. The average high is 60 F (15 C) and the average low is 10 F (-12 C). Snow and ice are no surprise in Anchorage. Therefore, it is advised that visitors bring different types of clothing so that they are ready for the cold Alaskan climate and changing weather conditions.
Because of the fact that Anchorage is subject to heavy snow falls, a lot of ice, and because of the fact that many tourists will drive to the mountains 4X4, truck, or SUV rentals are highly recommended. Anchorage has a lot of scenic byways; therefore many rental agencies also offer tour packages on their car hire options. Renting a car to see the beautiful Alaskan byways, highways, and railways is a very popular tourist option because it allows them the freedom to tour at their own pace. Some rental agencies in and around Anchorage also lease RVs and motor homes for those guests who would like to tour the city and the surrounding areas without the worry of a hotel. All rental agencies in Anchorage require a valid driver’s license and a credit card for damage protection.
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