Alaska’s Hidden Treasures: From Fur Trade to Strategic Military Base

However, little did anyone know that Alaska would soon become a gold mine! The Klondike Gold Rush in 1896 drew thousands of people. Later, deposits of oil and gas were discovered in the 20th century. Today, Alaska is the largest source of energy reserves in the United States. Its geographic location is also important, positioned merely 85 km away from Russia. During the Cold War, U.S. military bases were established here. Even now, every activity of Russia is monitored from here. Alaska borders the Arctic Circle, making it very close to the North Pole. With the melting of ice in the Arctic, new sea routes are opening, and the race for oil and gas has intensified. Russia, America, and China are all eyeing the new opportunities here. Today, Alaska is a key post for the U.S. Air Force and Navy, from which the borders of the entire Arctic and Russia are monitored. That’s why, whenever there is a major upheaval in U.S.-Russia relations, Alaska comes into the discussion.