Whittier, Alaska

Whittier is unique! Until recently it was secluded and only accessible by train or boat. A $70 million road connection was completed in the Summer of 2000.  The road has opened the community up and now is accessible to most visitors. The economy is supported by the city, school, and summer tourism.  Prince William Sound attracts most seasonal visitors.  The residents enjoy fishing and subsistence activities.

Passage Canal was once the quickest route from Prince William Sound to Cook Inlet. Chugach Indians would portage to Turnagain Arm in search of fish. Nearby Whittier Glacier was named for the American poet John Greenleaf Whittier, and was first published in 1915 by the U.S. Coast & Geodetic Survey. A port and railroad terminus were constructed by the U.S. Army for transport of fuel and other supplies into Alaska during World War II. The railroad spur and two tunnels were completed in 1943, and the Whittier Port became the entrance for troops and dependents of the Alaska Command. The huge buildings that dominate Whittier began construction in 1948. The 14-story Hodge Building (now Begich Towers) was built for Army bachelors quarters and family housing, with 198 apartments. The Buckner Building, completed in 1953, had 1,000 apartments and was once the largest building in Alaska. It was called the "city under one roof," with a hospital, bowling alley, theater, gym, swimming pool and shops for Army personnel. Whittier Manor was built in the early 1950s by private developers as rental units for civilian employees. The Port remained an active Army facility until 1960; at that time, the population was 1,200. Whittier Manor was converted to condominiums in 1964; Begich Towers now houses the majority of residents, as the Buckner Building is no longer occupied. The City was incorporated in 1969.