Traveling in Alaska, I was surprised to learn that Alaska is mostly national forests. So much green, in all shades and textures, and mostly in native or natural state, rather than pruned and planted. In contrast, most of the structures and settlements were built by individuals and are located along the coastline, many times built by settlers who obtained free land in Alaska under the Homesteading Act , starting in 1912 when Alaska became territory. Homesteading required staking the land and registering the claim at a nearby Land Office, and constructing a habitable building. Many of the first homes were hand-built. A first home was usually built close to the water, where transportation was easier, and fishing and hunting were productive. As a family grew and the children became adults, they built homes up the hill, often smaller and simpler.
Traveling in Alaska, I was surprised to learn that Alaska is mostly national forests. So much green, in all shades and textures, and mostly in native or natural state, rather than pruned and planted. In contrast, most of the structures and settlements were built by individuals and are located along the coastline, many times built by settlers who obtained free land in Alaska under the Homesteading Act , starting in 1912 when Alaska became territory. Homesteading required staking the land and registering the claim at a nearby Land Office, and constructing a habitable building. Many of the first homes were hand-built. A first home was usually built close to the water, where transportation was easier, and fishing and hunting were productive. As a family grew and the children became adults, they built homes up the hill, often smaller and simpler.