More than 20 years before Alaska became a state, the Alaska Territory was the feature of this beautiful violet stamp. In the background is Denali, then officially known as Mt. McKinley. The foreground is an example of a typical Alaskan subsistence farmer. Alaska has a short growing season, but almost 24 hours of daylight for part of the summer. If you go to the Alaska State fair, you will see some massive heads of cabbage.