Juneau, AK
Capital of Alaska
Overview
Juneau is the capital city of Alaska, located in the West region of the United States. Founded in 1881, the city has grown to a population of approximately 32,255 residents within a state of 733,391 people. As the seat of Alaska's state government, Juneau serves as the political and administrative center of the state.
The city is home to the Alaska State Capitol, a Art Deco structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1931. Designed by James A. Wetmore (U.S. Treasury Department), the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Juneau has served as the capital of Alaska since 1906. Before Juneau, the state's capital was located in Sitka.
Alaska State Capitol
The Alaska State Capitol in Juneau is one of the most unassuming capitol buildings in the nation, lacking a dome or grand portico. Originally built as the Federal and Territorial Building, it became the state capitol when Alaska achieved statehood in 1959. The modest brick and marble structure houses both legislative chambers and the governor's office.
Notable Features
- One of the few U.S. capitols without a dome
- Art Deco interior details and marble columns
- Houses both legislative chambers and the governor's office
- Alaska historical displays in the lobby
- Facade of Indiana limestone and brick
- Located steps from the Juneau waterfront
Media Gallery
Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- ★Juneau is the only U.S. state capital that cannot be reached by road -- it is accessible only by air or sea.
- ★The Alaska State Capitol is one of the few in the country that does not have a traditional dome.
- ★Juneau was founded during a gold rush in 1881 and was originally called Harrisburg.
- ★Despite being the capital, Juneau is not the largest city in Alaska -- Anchorage is nearly ten times its size.
- ★The Mendenhall Glacier, a 12-mile-long glacier, is located just 12 miles from downtown Juneau.
- ★There have been multiple ballot measures to move Alaska's capital to a more accessible location, but none have succeeded.
- ★Juneau receives an average of about 62 inches of rain per year, making it one of the wettest capitals.