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Place Name
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Juneau
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Pronunciation
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JOO-no
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Place Status (Type)
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city
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Population
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26,751 (1990)
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Location
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Alaska, United States, North America
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Latitude
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61°48'N
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Longitude
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134°27'W
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Juneau
(JOO-no), city (1990 pop. 26,751),  Alaska, in
the Alaska Panhandle, in SE corner of state, at the foot of 2
spectacular peaks, Mts. Juneau and Roberts; 61°48'N 134°27'W. A
port on Gastineau Channel, Juneau is a trade center for the Panhandle
area, with an ice-free harbor, and an airport. Surrounding road system
extends max. of 40.5 mi/65.2 km NW; no road
connections to outside. Ferry connections to other Panhandle
communities; bridge to Douglas Isl. The state and Federal govt. are the
major employers. Salmon and halibut fishing, mining, and tourism are
important economic activities. Joseph Juneau and a partner discovered
gold nearby in 1880, and the city developed as a gold rush town.
Officially designated as capital of the Territory of Alaska
in 1900 but did not function as such until the govt. offices
were moved from Sitka in 1906. In 1959 it became state capital with the
admission of Alaska to the Union. Douglas Isl., a part of the city,
lies across the channel. The Alaska Historical Lib. and Mus. and Alaska
State Mus. are here. Univ. of Alaska Southeast Campus serves the area.
In 1970 city and borough govts. were united, including neighboring
Douglas, making Juneau the largest city in area in the U.S., at
3,108 sq mi/8,050 sq km. Glacier
Bay Natl. Park and Preserve to the NW. Alaskans voted in 1976 to move
capital to Willow, W of Palmer, but defeated funding for it, 1982. Inc.
1900.
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