Alaska Day Alaska

The first official U.S. census (1880) reported a total of 33,426 Alaskans, all but 430 being of aboriginal stock. The Gold Rush of 1898 resulted in a mass influx of more than 30,000 people to the new state. Since then, Alaska has contributed billions of dollars’ worth of products to the U.S. economy. Alaska Day, also known as Alaska’s birthday, is celebrated annually on 18 October in Sitka, Alaska, commemorating the date Alaska joined the United States. Alaska Day was first celebrated in 1949 with the unveiling of a bronze statue named “The Prospector,” which still stands as a tribute to Alaska’s pioneers. Today, festivities span several days with dance performances, costume balls, races, memorial services, among other events.