Why is the state capital Juneau and not Anchorage?

The Alaska State Capitol on Friday, June 13, 2025. (Photo by Clarise Larson/KTOO)
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It’s a question that’s swirled around town for decades, often with some heated debate: Why is the state capital Juneau and not Anchorage? 
Kirk Smith is a volunteer with the Juneau-Douglas City Museum, which works together with the Capitol Building to provide tours during the summer tourism season. He says he ofte