Historically speaking, the Juneau area has always belonged to the Auke and Taku Indigenous tribes. As the first known inhabitants of the region, they declared it sacred because it was the burial grounds of their people. In the present day Juneau, the Gastineau Channel is known as Indian Point, which proudly took its rightful position on the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. Although Juneau was declared unnavigable by Joseph Whidbey, a townsite was formed on the land near the Gastineau Channel by Joe Juneau and Richard Harris during the Goldrush. Once people identified gold in the region, it soon became a mining settlement.

By 1881 the settlement had a population of over 100 people. It was initially named Rockwell, after Charles Rockwell but was changed a while after to Harrisburg after prospector Richard Harris. Finally, on December 14, 1881, 72 members of the village voted for the name to be changed a third and final time to Juneau, after prospector Joe Juneau. During the late 1800s, the Russian Orthodox Church formed a strong presence in Juneau among the Indigenous people, converting many to its faith. The town erected St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in 1894.

Juneau became the Alaskan capital city in 1906 and was initially the county seat until 1950 when Anchorage displaced it. After Alaska achieved its statehood in 1959, the Juneau population increased substantially and saw even further growth after the construction of the Alaska Pipeline for oil was completed in 1977. Juneau remains the capital of Alaska today. Although the population experienced a slower growth for more than 20 years, in the last 15, there has been some increase due to tourism boosting its economy, especially in the summer months.

A historically and culturally rich community like Juneau has some treasures in its landscape. These are some exciting places for you to explore that will give you a feel for the city and the people:

Alaska State Museum: Located in downtown Juneau, the Museum gives you a taste of the diversity and richness of Alaska's history, exhibiting artifacts that will provide you with insight into the background of her people, industries, and art world.

Glacier Gardens Rainforest Adventure: Take a guided tour throughout the indescribably beautiful flora and fauna depicting the natural rainforests. This tour takes you from a panoramic view of the Juneau and Chilkat Mountains to the lower-level atrium and hanging flower gardens.

Amalga Distillery: Located in Juneau, this lovely small craft distillery, with its warm, inviting ambiance, produces gin and American Single Malt whiskey. Be sure to make a stop inside their tasting room to sample the gin or simply kick back and relax with a cocktail featuring their spirits.