Alaska is farther north than any other state. It is way up next to part of Canada. But it is part of the U.S.
At first, only Eskimos lived in Alaska. Many lived in houses made of snow and ice; they hunted fish and seals. Then the Russians came in to hunt the seals; the fur from the seals was made into beautiful coats and hats. In time, Alaska became part of Russia.
Alaska belonged to Russia until October 18th, 1865. The U.S. paid Russia $7.2 million for the land. Many Americans thought buying Alaska was a big mistake. They said the land was good for nothing. But in 1897, people found gold in Alaska; many Americans rushed to find some gold for themselves. Only a few became rich; but others stayed in Alaska because they liked the land.
Eskimos and old Russian families still live in Alaska. But most Alaskans are from other parts of the U.S. Alaska is most famous for Mt.McKinley, or Mt.Denali—the highest mountain in North America.
The Alaska Day festival celebrates the day when Alaska became part of the U.S.
If you go, be sure to visit Anchorage, Alaska’s biggest city. Then go fishing, hiking, or just looking at the beautiful scenery. You can see all kinds of wildlife in Alaska—even bears and whales.
Sitka Convention and Visitors Bureau, PO Box 1226, Sitka, AK99835 Phone: 907-747-5940. Click here for more information www.Alaskadayfestival.org
November Festival
Thanksgiving in Plymouth, Massachusetts. 4th Thursday in November. The Plimouth Plantation has streets and shops that are like an old Pilgrim village. After you have visited the village, you can walk onto a ship that is like the Mayflower—the ship that the Pilgrims used to come to America. The people at the plantation dress up like Pilgrims; you can talk to them and ask them questions. You can also visit Pilgrim Hall while you are in Plymouth; it is one of the oldest museums in America. To eat a meal like the Pilgrims ate on Thanksgiving, make a reservation. http://plimuth.org
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You may learn more about American culture in Hello! USA, a survival guide on everyday living in the U.S. Look for "Author's Favorites" in the introduction, which tells about "Foods I love" and "Good times I've had" in all parts of the country. This section also includes maps of all the states, major cities and their climates, and the distances between them.
To see the complete Table of Contents and an excerpt, click on the “Books” section on this site; to order, click on the “Order Form” section.
“(Hello! USA) answers every basic thing one must know about how to live, travel, shop, play, and work in the United States.” Mobility Magazine
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Judy Priven is the Founder and President of Hello! America, Inc., which specializes in international relocation publications. Judy is the award-winning author of many books on international relocation and English language skills. For example, the newly revised Hello! USA explains American life and language to international newcomers. StaySafe!!, a 16-page booklet, gives Americans tips on staying safe when traveling internationally. Judy gives seminars on everyday living in the U.S. to international students, corporate employees, and both foreign and returning American diplomats.
