Why Is Alaska Called the Last Frontier? (with pictures)

Alaska is often called the last frontier due to the expansive areas of land that have never been accurately charted, mapped or explored in this American state. With big game, mineral deposits and timber, Alaska is commonly viewed as the last frontier by those wishing to create a new life or begin a new business. Many opportunities exist in Alaska for a person who is eager to take a gamble and strike out on his own in search of wealth and glory. The government of Alaska is willing to issue homesteading rights, mining claims and other aids for individuals willing to attempt to bring industry to this area commonly known as the last frontier.

The often harsh environment of Alaska tends to make exploration and year-round habitation difficult at best, and sometimes impossible. This has given much acclaim to the area being called the last frontier. Most areas of the world have been thoroughly explored and settled, resulting in the formation of large cities and towns. Alaska has many cities and towns, however, there are many remote locations within the state that are only accessible by boat or aircraft. This makes the total exploration of the land incomplete and gives credence to the last frontier moniker.

The Alaskan climate also makes it difficult to raise any large food supply for the local inhabitants, and this tends to make the cost of living very high here. Normal expectations of life are not easily obtained and alternative food sources, such as moose steak or caribou meat, are often hard to get. High prices on fresh vegetables, fuel and other goods can make the state of Alaska seem like it is very far from civilization.

For the adventurous at heart, Alaska offers many exciting and challenging experiences that are not available in the lower United States. The ability to remain protected by the laws and rights of the United States while seemingly traveling into another world give the feeling of the last frontier to the entire state of Alaska. Some explorers feel as if they may be experiencing the same type of emotions and realizations that the earlier explorers encountered in their travels. The opportunity to see what no other man has seen or stand on a spot where no other human or animal has ever stood is a real possibility in Alaska, giving the area the feeling of being the last frontier.