History of Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska
Ketchikan Gateway Borough, located in the southeastern part of Alaska, is known for its stunning coastal landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and historical ties to fishing, logging, and tourism. The borough, established in 1963, includes the city of Ketchikan and surrounding areas. Originally inhabited by the Tlingit people, the region became a hub of commerce and industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the arrival of settlers, fishing industries, and logging operations. Today, Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and is a popular destination for tourists exploring Alaska’s Inside Passage.
Ketchikan Gateway Borough Facts
- Founded: September 6, 1963
- Population: Approximately 13,948 (as of 2020)
- Area: 6,654 square miles
- Area Code: 907
- ZIP Codes: 99901, 99918, 99919, 99928, 99950
- Borough Seat: Ketchikan
- Major Cities: Ketchikan, Saxman, Loring
- Famous Landmarks:
- Tongass National Forest
- Misty Fjords National Monument
- Totem Bight State Historical Park
- Creek Street Historic District
- Deer Mountain
Early History of Ketchikan Gateway Borough (Pre-1800s)
Tlingit People and Early Inhabitants
For thousands of years before European contact, the area now known as Ketchikan Gateway Borough was inhabited by the Tlingit people. The Tlingit were maritime people, with a lifestyle centered around fishing, hunting, and gathering from the abundant natural resources of the region. The rich waters of the Inside Passage provided salmon, halibut, and other seafood, while the dense forests offered game and materials for tools and shelter.
The Tlingit developed complex social and political structures, with clans that maintained distinct identities. Totem poles, longhouses, and ceremonial practices were central to Tlingit culture. Villages along the coast, including the modern-day site of Saxman, became important cultural centers for the Tlingit people. Trade networks with other Indigenous groups extended across the Pacific Northwest, allowing the Tlingit to engage in commerce and cultural exchange.
European Exploration and the Fur Trade (1700s-1800s)
Russian Exploration and Trade (1740s-1867)
European interest in the southeastern Alaska region began in the mid-18th century with Russian explorers, who sought to capitalize on the lucrative fur trade. Russian traders, operating through the Russian-American Company, established trading posts and sought to control the trade in sea otter pelts, which were highly prized in international markets. However, the Tlingit people were powerful and maintained control over their lands, negotiating trade with the Russians rather than being dominated by them.
Russian influence in the region was relatively limited due to the remoteness and difficult terrain, but the fur trade brought new interactions between Indigenous peoples and European traders. By the mid-19th century, Russia’s control over Alaska was waning, and in 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia, an event that opened the region to American settlers and entrepreneurs.
U.S. Acquisition of Alaska (1867)
The U.S. purchase of Alaska, known as the Alaska Purchase, marked a significant turning point in the history of the region. The United States gained control over the vast natural resources of southeastern Alaska, including its forests, fisheries, and minerals. However, it would take several decades before significant American settlement and development occurred in what would later become Ketchikan Gateway Borough.
The Founding of Ketchikan and Early Industry (1880s-1920s)
The Discovery of Gold and the Klondike Gold Rush (1896-1899)
While Ketchikan was not directly affected by the gold discoveries in the Klondike, it became a critical supply and transportation hub for prospectors traveling to the goldfields of the Yukon in the late 19th century. The town’s strategic location along Alaska’s Inside Passage made it an ideal stopping point for ships carrying miners and supplies to the north.
Ketchikan was officially founded in 1885, beginning as a fishing camp and trading post. The town’s name is derived from “Kitschkan,” a Tlingit word referring to the creek that runs through the town (now known as Ketchikan Creek). The creek and surrounding waters became crucial for the development of the town, particularly with the rise of the commercial fishing industry.
Commercial Fishing and the Rise of the Salmon Industry
Fishing, particularly salmon canning, became the backbone of Ketchikan’s economy in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The first cannery in Ketchikan was established in 1886, and the industry grew rapidly as demand for canned salmon spread across the United States. Ketchikan’s location along the salmon-rich waters of the Tongass Narrows made it a prime spot for the development of large-scale fishing operations.
By the early 20th century, Ketchikan had earned the nickname “Salmon Capital of the World,” and its canneries became some of the largest employers in the region. The town grew quickly, attracting workers from across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Ketchikan’s fishing industry also played a significant role in shaping its cultural identity, with the annual salmon run becoming a key event for both commercial and subsistence fishermen.
Timber and Logging Industry
In addition to fishing, Ketchikan’s economy benefited from the timber industry. The vast forests surrounding the town, part of the Tongass National Forest, provided ample resources for logging. Timber was harvested and processed in sawmills, contributing to the region’s growing economy. The timber industry, like fishing, became a major employer in Ketchikan during the early 20th century, with logs being shipped to markets in the lower 48 states.
Development and Expansion of Ketchikan (1930s-1960s)
Infrastructure Development and the Alaska Highway (1940s)
World War II brought significant changes to Alaska, including Ketchikan Gateway Borough. The construction of the Alaska Highway during the war connected Alaska to the contiguous United States, improving transportation and trade routes. Although the highway did not directly pass through Ketchikan, the improvements in infrastructure facilitated the growth of commerce and tourism in the region.
Ketchikan also saw investment in its own local infrastructure, including the development of better roads, ports, and public services. The town’s strategic location along the Inside Passage continued to make it an important stop for ships traveling between the Pacific Northwest and Alaska’s interior.
Statehood and the Borough Formation (1959, 1963)
Alaska became the 49th state of the United States in 1959, and Ketchikan played a role in the transition to statehood. The creation of Ketchikan Gateway Borough in 1963 marked the formal establishment of local government, giving residents more control over land use, public services, and economic development. The borough encompasses Ketchikan and surrounding areas, including several smaller communities such as Saxman and Loring.
Statehood brought new opportunities for economic growth and development, with increased investment in public infrastructure and services. Tourism, which had already begun to grow in the early 20th century, became an even more significant part of the local economy.
Tourism and Economic Diversification (1970s-Present)
The Rise of Tourism and Cruise Ships (1970s-Present)
In the latter half of the 20th century, tourism became a dominant force in Ketchikan’s economy. The town’s scenic beauty, cultural heritage, and proximity to natural wonders such as the Misty Fjords National Monument made it a popular destination for travelers. Ketchikan’s historic downtown, including Creek Street, which had once been the town’s red-light district, became a major attraction for visitors.
The growth of the cruise ship industry in the 1970s and 1980s transformed Ketchikan into one of the most popular stops along Alaska’s Inside Passage. Cruise ships brought thousands of visitors to the borough each year, providing a significant boost to local businesses, restaurants, and tour operators. Popular attractions include totem pole parks, guided nature tours, and historic landmarks.
Environmental Conservation and the Tongass National Forest
Ketchikan’s location within the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, has made environmental conservation a key issue for the borough. The Tongass is home to some of the world’s last remaining temperate rainforests, as well as a diverse array of wildlife, including bears, eagles, and salmon.
Efforts to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability have become an important focus for the borough. The fishing industry, in particular, has emphasized sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health of the region’s salmon populations. Additionally, the tourism industry has promoted eco-friendly practices to protect the natural beauty of the area for future generations.
Modern Industry and Economic Challenges
While fishing and tourism remain central to Ketchikan’s economy, the borough has faced challenges related to the decline of the timber industry. Environmental regulations, market changes, and the closure of several major sawmills have reduced the role of logging in the local economy. In response, Ketchikan has diversified its economy by investing in infrastructure, expanding its tourism offerings, and promoting cultural tourism related to the region’s Tlingit heritage.
Cultural and Historical Landmarks in Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Misty Fjords National Monument
Misty Fjords National Monument, located southeast of Ketchikan, is one of Alaska’s most stunning natural landmarks. The monument features towering cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness, making it a popular destination for sightseeing tours, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Totem Bight State Historical Park
Totem Bight State Historical Park is home to several restored totem poles and a replica Tlingit clan house. The park, located near Ketchikan, celebrates the region’s rich Indigenous history and is a popular cultural attraction for visitors.
Creek Street Historic District
Creek Street, once Ketchikan’s red-light district, has been preserved as a historic site. Today, it is home to shops, galleries, and museums that offer a glimpse into the town’s colorful past. The boardwalk along Ketchikan Creek is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks.
Tongass National Forest
The Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the U.S., covering much of southeastern Alaska. It offers a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The forest is also central to the region’s environmental conservation efforts.
Present-Day Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Ketchikan Gateway Borough has a population of approximately 13,948 people. The borough’s population is concentrated in Ketchikan, with smaller communities spread throughout the surrounding areas. The population is diverse, with a mix of Indigenous Tlingit people, non-Native Alaskans, and residents from other parts of the United States and the world.
Economy and Infrastructure
Ketchikan Gateway Borough’s economy is driven by tourism, commercial fishing, and small-scale industry. The borough’s infrastructure includes a well-developed port, airport, and public services that support both residents and visitors. The tourism industry continues to grow, with cruise ships bringing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area each year. Efforts to diversify the economy and promote sustainable development remain a focus for local government and business leaders.
