Juneau Alaska - September 8, 2001

In 1880, for Joe Juneau and Richard Harris, the going was slow and frustrating as they searched for gold with the help of Indian guides. Finally, after climbing mountains, forging streams and facing countless difficulties, they found nuggets "as large as beans." Out of their discoveries came three of the largest gold mines in the world. By the end of World War II, more than USD$150 million in gold was mined. Eventually the mines closed, but the town Joe Juneau founded became the capital of Alaska and the business of gold was replaced by the business of government. Some 30,000 people live in Juneau and its total area makes it the biggest town, in size, in North and South America - and the second largest in the world. Only Kirunda, Sweden, with 5,458 square miles, exceeds Juneau's 3,108 square miles. Few cities in the USA and none in Alaska are as beautiful as Juneau. Residents claim it is the most scenic capital in the country, while others describe it as a 'little San Francisco'.