Why Juneau Remains the Capital of Alaska Despite Not Being the Largest City

Many might wonder why Juneau, Alaska, remains the state capital when it's not the largest city in the state. The answer lies in the unique history and political dynamics of Alaska itself. There is no hard and fast rule that mandates the capital must always be the largest city; often, it is not the case. Juneau serves as a prime example of this.

Juneau: The Third Option for Capital

When Alaska was selected as the capital, Juneau was the largest city in the state. However, decades later, Anchorage outgrew Juneau. What makes the case of Juneau unique is that its designation as the capital predated the growth of Anchorage. Even more interestingly, Anchorage did not exist when Juneau was first chosen as the capital. This historical context underscores that the capital does not need to change based on the growing size of the cities. The capital can remain in its established location for various reasons.

Russian and American Influences

The journey of Juneau as the capital began with Russian explorers naming it Sitka. When the United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867, the American government decided not to keep Sitka as the capital, leading them to name the then-small town of Juneau as the new capital.

Voting to Move the Capital

In the 1970s, there was a push to move the capital from Juneau to a more financially viable location. Willow, another town that was deemed suitable due to its land availability and accessibility, was proposed. Local voters supported this idea. However, the politicians in Juneau, who benefited from the road system and infrastructure there, vetoed the move, citing the high cost as a reason.

The High Cost Controversy

The politicians in Juneau estimated that it would cost around $3 billion to move the capital to Willow. This figure was staggering, and many residents who were there in the 1970s and 1980s thought private industries could build more affordable offices and facilities for the government to use while settling in. They even joked about operating out of railroad cars with a siding for the officials.

Location Decisions and Reasons

There are several reasons why Juneau has remained the capital:

Historical Legacy: Sitka, the first capital, is a historical site and remains more remote. There is no desire to move the capital there due to its inaccessibility. Growth in Anchorage: Anchorage, while economically booming, is overcrowded and lacks enough land to accommodate the government's needs. Political Factors: Local politicians in Juneau have significant influence and have been able to maintain the status quo due to their strategic positioning.

In conclusion, the continued status of Juneau as the capital of Alaska is a testament to the intricate balance of historical, economic, and political factors. Juneau retains its position not because it is the largest city, but because of the complex dynamics that have shaped Alaska's governance.

Keywords: Juneau, Alaska Capital, City Size

Footnotes: For a more detailed history on the move to Willow and the estimated costs, please refer to the in-depth history available in the footnote link below.