History
Palmer was founded in 1935 when the surrounding Matanuska Valley was established as one of President Roosevelt's New Deal projects. The only Alaskan city with an agrarian past, Palmer was populated by Midwest families who moved to Alaska to escape the drought.
Geography
Palmer is located approximately 42 miles northeast of Alaska's capital city of Anchorage. Tourists can get to Palmer by way of the scenic Glenn Highway.
Size
Palmer has a population of approximately 8,500, which expands significantly in the summer months when tourism is at its peak.
Significance
Tourism in Palmer is one of the town's biggest industries. Lying midway between Alaska's two largest cities of Anchorage and Fairbanks, Palmer offers tourists accessible natural beauty, as well as a variety of outdoor adventures from gold-panning to backcountry skiing.
Fun Fact
Palmer may be best known for hosting the annual state fair, showcasing giant vegetables and produce grown in the local Matanuska Valley, as well as arts and crafts produced by local artisans.
Article Written By Jill Lewis
Jill Lewis is an attorney in the insurance defense field who combines an active law practice with a freelance writing career. Concentrating on legal articles dedicated to providing practical advice to the layperson, Lewis has written for various online and print publications, including eHow and Business.com. She is a graduate of New York University and the Lewis and Clark School of Law.
