History of Lake and Peninsula Borough, Alaska
Lake and Peninsula Borough, located in southwestern Alaska, is one of the most remote and sparsely populated regions in the state. This vast borough, spanning thousands of square miles, is known for its rich cultural heritage, pristine natural environments, and abundant wildlife. Established in 1989, the borough encompasses a region steeped in indigenous history and shaped by fishing, hunting, and subsistence activities. Today, Lake and Peninsula Borough remains an area of economic importance due to its world-renowned salmon fisheries, mining prospects, and growing ecotourism industry.
County Facts
- Founded: April 24, 1989
- Population: Approximately 1,400 (as of 2020 Census)
- Area: 32,922 square miles (land and water)
- Area Code: 907
- ZIP Codes: 99556, 99569, 99649, 99651, 99613, and others
- County Seat: King Salmon (borough offices located in Naknek)
- Major Cities: King Salmon, Naknek, Nondalton, Iliamna, Port Alsworth
- Famous Landmarks:
- Katmai National Park and Preserve
- Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
- Iliamna Lake
- Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve
- Bristol Bay salmon fisheries
Early History of Lake and Peninsula Borough (Pre-1800s)
Indigenous Peoples and Traditional Subsistence
Before European contact, the region now known as Lake and Peninsula Borough was inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Dena’ina, Yup’ik, and Alutiiq. These groups lived in harmony with the natural environment, relying heavily on subsistence activities such as fishing, hunting, and gathering. The area’s rivers and lakes, including Iliamna Lake and the waters of Bristol Bay, were teeming with salmon, a vital resource that sustained indigenous communities for thousands of years.
The indigenous peoples of the region developed sophisticated cultural and social systems that were deeply connected to their environment. They built semi-permanent villages along the coastline and rivers and engaged in trade with neighboring groups. Their traditions, languages, and knowledge of the land remain central to the identity of the region today.
Russian Influence and Early European Exploration (1700s-1867)
Russian Fur Trade and Exploration (1741)
The first Europeans to arrive in the Lake and Peninsula region were Russian explorers and fur traders in the mid-18th century. In 1741, Vitus Bering, a Danish navigator in Russian service, explored Alaska’s coast, marking the beginning of Russian interest in the territory. Russian fur traders, seeking valuable sea otter pelts, soon followed, establishing trading posts and interacting with the indigenous peoples of the region. However, the Russian presence in Lake and Peninsula was limited compared to coastal Alaska, as much of the focus remained on fur-rich coastal areas such as Kodiak Island and Sitka.
Russian-American Company (Late 1700s)
The Russian-American Company was established in 1799 to monopolize the fur trade in Alaska. While the company focused its efforts on coastal Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, its influence reached as far inland as Lake Iliamna, where fur traders occasionally interacted with local indigenous groups. However, Russian colonization in the region was less intensive than elsewhere, and the fur trade remained a peripheral activity in the Lake and Peninsula area.
Transfer to the United States and American Development (1867-1940)
The Alaska Purchase (1867)
In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, a transaction known as the Alaska Purchase. This marked the end of Russian rule and the beginning of American development in the region. However, the Lake and Peninsula region remained largely isolated and undeveloped in the years immediately following the purchase, with its economy still heavily reliant on indigenous subsistence practices and small-scale trade.
Rise of Commercial Fishing (Late 1800s)
Toward the end of the 19th century, commercial fishing began to gain prominence in the Lake and Peninsula Borough. The region’s rivers and lakes, especially Bristol Bay, became famous for their abundant salmon runs. Fishing companies, recognizing the potential of the area, established canneries and fishing operations that employed both local residents and workers from outside the region. The introduction of commercial fishing transformed the economy of the region, making it one of the most important salmon-producing areas in the world.
World War II and Cold War Era (1940-1970)
World War II and Military Presence
During World War II, Alaska became strategically important to the United States, and the Lake and Peninsula region saw increased military activity. King Salmon, which became an important base during the Cold War, was initially established as a refueling station for military aircraft during World War II. The region’s remoteness and proximity to the Soviet Union made it a critical outpost for defending the United States during the Cold War.
Post-War Economic Development
Following World War II, the Lake and Peninsula region experienced further economic development, particularly in the fishing industry. The commercial fisheries in Bristol Bay continued to grow, and new canneries and processing plants were built to support the expanding industry. At the same time, the U.S. military continued to maintain a presence in the region, with King Salmon Air Force Base playing a key role in Alaska’s defense network during the Cold War.
Formation of Lake and Peninsula Borough (1970-Present)
Borough Incorporation (1989)
Lake and Peninsula Borough was officially incorporated on April 24, 1989. The formation of the borough allowed for better local governance and control over land use, taxation, and public services in the vast and sparsely populated region. The borough’s incorporation was part of a broader trend in Alaska toward creating local governments that could manage the state’s diverse and expansive territories more effectively.
Economic Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its remote location, Lake and Peninsula Borough remains economically important due to its rich natural resources. Commercial fishing, particularly the salmon fisheries in Bristol Bay, continues to be the backbone of the local economy. The region also holds significant potential for mining, with the controversial Pebble Mine project garnering international attention. While the Pebble Mine project has been a source of debate due to concerns about its environmental impact on Bristol Bay’s fisheries, it highlights the region’s mineral wealth and the challenges of balancing resource development with environmental preservation.
Modern Environmental Conservation and Ecotourism
Protection of National Parks and Preserves
Lake and Peninsula Borough is home to several of Alaska’s most iconic national parks and preserves, including Katmai National Park and Preserve, Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, and Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve. These protected areas are known for their stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. The protection of these areas has helped to safeguard the borough’s natural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism.
Growth of Ecotourism
In recent decades, ecotourism has become an increasingly important part of the economy in Lake and Peninsula Borough. Visitors from around the world come to the region to experience its pristine wilderness, world-class fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly brown bear viewing at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park. Ecotourism provides a sustainable source of income for local communities while promoting environmental conservation and appreciation for the region’s natural beauty.
Famous Landmarks and Attractions
Katmai National Park and Preserve
Katmai National Park and Preserve is one of Alaska’s most famous natural attractions, known for its volcanic landscapes and abundant wildlife. The park is home to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a dramatic volcanic ash flow created by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta. Brooks Falls, located within the park, is famous for its brown bear viewing during the salmon run.
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, located in the northeastern part of the borough, offers stunning views of mountains, glaciers, and the pristine waters of Lake Clark. The park is a popular destination for backcountry hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Iliamna Lake
Iliamna Lake, the largest lake in Alaska and one of the largest in the United States, is a key feature of the borough. The lake is home to rich salmon populations and serves as a hub for fishing and outdoor recreation. It is also known for local legends about a mysterious creature said to inhabit its depths.
Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve
Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve is one of the least visited national parks in the United States due to its remote location. The park is centered around the Aniakchak Caldera, a massive volcanic crater, and offers opportunities for rugged wilderness exploration.
