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With a population of 7,845, Ketchikan is located 670 miles north
of Seattle and 235 miles south of Juneau. It is home to the 2.2
million acre Misty Fjords National Monument. It is normally the first
Alaska port of call for northbound cruise ships and the state ferry.
The climate zone is noted for its warm winters, cool summers, and heavy
precipitation. Summer temperatures range from 51 to 65; winter temperatures
range from 29 to 39. Ketchikan averages 162 inches (13.5 feet) of
precipitation annually, including 32 inches of snowfall. Expect rain while
visiting, but don't let it stop you! There is a lot to explore.
Ketchikan is a diverse community. Most Native residents are Tlingit.
Ketchikan is home to the
largest collection of totem poles in the world, some over 100 years old.
They are primarily found in the Totem Bight
State Historical Park, Saxman Native Village, and the Totem Heritage Center
Museum. During the growth of the Gold Rush came the red light district of
town. Ketchikan is proud of its sometimes checkered past. Historic Creek
Street, a wooden boardwalk built on pilings above Ketchikan Creek, is filled
with shops and art galleries. During Prohibition and the Roaring 20s,
Creek Street housed bars, gambling halls and bordellos. There were 30 bordellos in
business. Today Creek Street is a fun place to walk and
watch the fish and the kayakers. As an ancient Tlingit fish camp, Ketchikan
has long reigned as the sport-fishing capital of the world, with trophy-size
salmon and halibut, so bring your fishing spirit! Ketchikan has also
been recognized as one of the top 100 art communities in America.
Collecting and shopping for Native Art is popular in this port is very
popular.
Tongass and Cape Fox Tlingits have used Ketchikan Creek as a fish camp which
they called "kitschk-hin," meaning creek of the "thundering wings of an
eagle." The abundant fish and timber resources attracted non-Natives to
Ketchikan. In 1885, Mike Martin bought 160 acres from Chief Kyan, which
later became the township. The first cannery opened in 1886 near the mouth
of Ketchikan Creek and four more were built by 1912. The Ketchikan Post
Office was established in 1892, and the City was incorporated in 1900. By
this time, nearby gold and copper discoveries briefly brought activity to
Ketchikan as a mining supply center. During 1936, seven canneries were in
operation, producing 1.5 million cases of salmon. The need for lumber for
new construction and packing boxes spawned the Ketchikan Spruce Mills in
1903, which operated for over 70 years. Spruce was in high demand during
World War II, and Ketchikan became a supply center for area logging. A $55
million pulp mill was constructed at Ward Cove near Ketchikan in 1954. Its
operation fueled the growth of the community. The mill's 50-year contract
with the U.S. Forest service for timber was canceled, and the pulp mill
closed in March 1997.
Today, Ketchikan's diverse economy is an industrial center and a major port of entry in
Southeast Alaska. Ketchikan is supported by a large
fishing fleet, fish processing, tourism and timber. 401 area residents hold
commercial fishing permits. Several processing and cold storage facilities
support the fishing industry. The state operates the Deer Mountain Hatchery
which produces over 450,000 King, Coho, Steelhead and Rainbow Trout
annually. Cruise ships bring over 650,000 visitors, and another 50,000
independent travelers visit Ketchikan each year.
Regularly-scheduled jet services offer three northbound and three southbound
departures daily. The State-owned Ketchikan International Airport offers a
paved, lighted 7,500' runway. The airport lies on Gravina Island, a
10-minute ferry ride to the waterfront. Ketchikan is a regional
transportation hub with numerous air taxi services to surrounding
communities. There are four float plane landing facilities: Tongass Narrows,
Peninsula Point, Ketchikan Harbor, and Murphy's. Ketchikan is the first port
of call in Alaska for cruise ships and Alaska Marine Highway vessels.
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