Juneau

Juneau (pop. 23,300), capital of Alaska and port city in the southeast panhandle, situated at the foot of Mt. Juneau, on the Gastineau Channel. Ice free even in winter, Juneau supports fishing (especially salmon), lumbering, sawmilling, and tourism. The surrounding mountains yield asbestos, nickel ore, limestone, and marble, and the rapid mountain streams are a source of hydroelectric power. Juneau was founded by prospectors in 1880, when gold-bearing quartz was discovered nearby. It has the largest area (3,108 sq mi/8,050 sq km) of any U.S. city.

See also: Alaska.