In September of 1906, Alaska’s Capitol was relocated from Sitka to Juneau. Newly appointed governor Wilford B. Hoggatt boarded a steamer and traveled to Juneau. This act would complete the official transfer of Alaska’s “seat of government.” Before, and up until this point, Alaska’s governor held office in Sitka.
Alaska’s Governor Leaves Sitka
Alaska, though not yet a state, became part of the United States territories in 1867. Sitka was the center of government for the once Russian territory. However, in 1880, gold deposits were discovered in what would become the Juneau area by Joe Juneau and Richard Harris. Unsurprisingly, this caused the population to surge in Juneau. In the early years of Juneau, there were only two ships a month running to Sitka. It quickly became difficult to settle land disputes, contracts and other legal matters. If an attorney was unable to settle a legal matter in time, they would be stuck waiting up to two weeks to get home.
Therefore, attorneys in Juneau 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, and places like Fairbanks and Anchorage did not exist yet. 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, placing the capital in Juneau. After six years of attempting to move, the Interior Department finally 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 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. Also, the chambers for the Alaska House of Representative and Senate are located here, as well. In addition to be the state capital, Juneau draws revenue though tourism. There are breathtaking landscapes and an abundance of wildlife to be seen just outside of town. These, and many other factors, make Juneau an exciting place to visit.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Sources: Senior Voice Alaska; Travel Juneau; Sporcle
Image Source: AdobeStock
