Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and home to almost half the state's population. The city sits between Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. It began as a railroad camp and grew during World War II. It also survived the strongest earthquake ever recorded in North America. Each spring, locals come out to cheer on dog sled mushers as the 1,100-mile Iditarod race begins in downtown Anchorage. (D. MAHLKE—ALAMY)