Fairbanks

Fairbanks is a city in the U.S. state of Alaska located approximately 200 miles (320 km) southeast of the Arctic Circle, and about 370 miles (600 km) south-southeast of Prudhoe Bay on Alaska’s northern coast. It is home to over 32,000 people as per 2020 estimates making it the second largest city in Alaska after Anchorage with a metropolitan population of 97,581 according to 2019 US Census Bureau data. Fairbanks has been referred to as ‘The Golden Heart City’ due its natural beauty and abundance of gold mining history dating back centuries before Euroamerican settlement began in 1901 when E.T Barnette established trading post along Chena river bank near current downtown area setting off what would become one biggest cities in interior United States region today known for its summer Midnight Sun Festival which celebrates long hours sunlight during summer months from mid may until end August .

Located at latitude 64°51′ North, Fairbanks lies between two mountain ranges; Tanana Hills and White Mountains encompassing 3 valleys: Tanana Valley where much city resides ; Salcha–Goodpaster River Valley eastward , & Middle Fork Koyukuk valley westward . As result geography provides great opportunity outdoor recreation such skiing snowmobiling hiking biking fishing hunting canoeing kayaking rafting etc . In addition climate most temperate than rest parts arctic circle even though temperatures can reach -40 °F (-40 °C ) winter months while summers warm up 70s Fahrenheit or above especially July month when average high around 75 degrees F 24 hour period daylight occur part way through each season providing ample time enjoy outdoors without having worry darkness falling too soon

Fairbanks economy largely based services industry government jobs tourism however few resources still exist primarily oil gas coal minerals timber fish products plants animal fur hides manufacturing metals exploration development extraction processing weather station operation research university education department defense military installations air base nearby Fort Wainwright serve major economic drivers area since early 20th century

Mining remains important source income employment number companies operating areas including Usibelli Coal Mine Aurora Gold Mines Pogo Exploration Company McMillan Air Service CIRI Native Corporation Doyon Limited ASRC Energy Services ConocoPhillips Coeur Wharf Resources Incorporated also contribute local economy greatly both directly indirectly either providing goods materials related job positions like operators engineers geologists among others all whom play vital role helping keep community running whether they are working mine itself plant operations corporate offices universities schools recreational centers other establishments