History of Aleutians East Borough, Alaska
Aleutians East Borough, located in the southwestern part of Alaska, is a region with a rich history tied to the Indigenous Aleut people, Russian exploration, and American territorial expansion. Established as a borough in 1987, it encompasses a vast area of land and sea, including several islands in the Aleutian chain. The region is known for its rugged landscape, harsh climate, and deep connection to fishing, which remains the backbone of its economy. Over time, the Aleutians East Borough has played a vital role in World War II, international shipping, and the Alaskan fishing industry, shaping its unique cultural and historical identity.
Aleutians East Borough Facts
- Founded: 1987
- Population: Approximately 3,400 (as of 2020)
- Area: 15,010 square miles
- Area Code: 907
- ZIP Codes: 99546, 99612, 99615, 99685
- Borough Seat: Sand Point
- Major Cities: Sand Point, Akutan, King Cove, False Pass, Cold Bay, Nelson Lagoon
- Famous Landmarks:
- Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
- Izembek National Wildlife Refuge
- Dutch Harbor
- Mount Shishaldin (active volcano)
- World War II relics and historic sites
Early History of Aleutians East Borough (Pre-1700s)
The Aleut People and Early Inhabitants
Before the arrival of European explorers, the Aleutians East Borough region was inhabited by the Aleut (Unangan) people for thousands of years. The Aleut people thrived in the harsh conditions of the Aleutian Islands, relying on their deep knowledge of the ocean and the surrounding environment to sustain their communities. They were skilled hunters and fishermen, using kayaks (known as “baidarkas”) to hunt marine animals such as sea otters, seals, and whales. The Aleut people also developed complex social structures and spiritual practices closely tied to the natural world, and their expertise in navigating the sea was unrivaled.
Russian Exploration and Colonization (1740s-1800s)
The first Europeans to reach the Aleutian Islands were Russian explorers, beginning with Vitus Bering’s expedition in 1741. Bering’s voyages sparked an era of Russian colonization in Alaska, particularly in the Aleutians, where they sought to exploit the region’s rich fur resources, particularly sea otters. Russian traders and trappers established settlements and trading posts throughout the islands, often in conflict with the Aleut people, who were subjected to harsh conditions, forced labor, and violence.
During the Russian-American period, the Aleut population was decimated by disease and exploitation. Despite this, Russian Orthodox missionaries arrived in the late 18th century, converting many Aleuts to Christianity, a faith that remains influential in the region to this day. The Aleutians became an important part of the Russian-American fur trade until the U.S. acquired Alaska from Russia in 1867.
U.S. Acquisition and Early American Period (1867-1940s)
The Purchase of Alaska (1867)
The United States purchased Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million, a transaction known as “Seward’s Folly” after Secretary of State William H. Seward. At the time, the Aleutian Islands were viewed as remote and sparsely populated, with little economic value beyond the fur trade. The transition from Russian to American control brought significant changes for the Aleut people, though initially, the U.S. government paid little attention to the region.
Economic Development and the Fishing Industry (Late 1800s-1930s)
As the fur trade declined in the late 19th century, the economic focus of the Aleutians shifted to fishing. The region’s waters were abundant with fish, particularly cod, salmon, and halibut. American fishing companies began to establish operations in the Aleutians, and fishing became the cornerstone of the local economy. The construction of canneries and other facilities provided employment opportunities for local residents, many of whom were Aleut. Despite the economic benefits, the influx of American settlers and fishing operations also led to increased exploitation of natural resources and changes in traditional Aleut ways of life.
By the early 20th century, the Aleutians were recognized as one of the world’s most important fishing grounds, attracting commercial fishermen from around the globe. However, the isolation and harsh weather of the region made life challenging for both Indigenous peoples and settlers.
World War II and the Aleutian Campaign (1940s)
World War II and the Strategic Importance of the Aleutians
During World War II, the Aleutian Islands gained strategic significance as the United States and Japan sought to control the northern Pacific. The Aleutians East Borough area became a focal point in the Aleutian Campaign, one of the few battles fought on American soil during the war. In June 1942, Japanese forces attacked and occupied the islands of Attu and Kiska, further west in the Aleutian chain, marking the beginning of a nearly year-long struggle between U.S. and Japanese forces.
The Battle of Dutch Harbor and the Military Presence
On June 3 and 4, 1942, Japanese forces launched an air raid on Dutch Harbor, a critical U.S. military outpost in the Aleutians, causing significant damage to the facility. In response, the U.S. military established a substantial presence in the region, constructing airfields, fortifications, and other infrastructure in Cold Bay, King Cove, and surrounding areas. The region became a vital base for launching attacks on Japanese-occupied islands, and many residents of Aleutians East Borough were evacuated to the mainland during the war.
The U.S. eventually retook Attu and Kiska in 1943, after fierce fighting, but the war left a lasting impact on the Aleutian Islands. Many Aleuts who had been relocated during the conflict returned to find their homes and villages in disrepair.
Post-War Development and Economic Growth (1950s-1980s)
Post-War Reconstruction and the Fishing Boom (1950s-1970s)
After World War II, the Aleutians East Borough region saw a period of reconstruction and economic growth, fueled largely by the expansion of the fishing industry. Advances in fishing technology, such as the development of large-scale commercial trawlers and improved canning techniques, helped turn the Aleutians into a global hub for seafood production. King crab, in particular, became a lucrative industry in the mid-20th century, drawing fleets of fishing vessels to the region.
The fishing industry not only provided employment for local residents but also attracted new settlers to the region, particularly in towns like Sand Point, King Cove, and Akutan. These communities grew as fishing centers, with canneries, processing plants, and harbors expanding to accommodate the growing demand for Aleutian seafood.
Cold Bay and Cold War Military Presence (1950s-1980s)
During the Cold War, Cold Bay played a strategic role as a military outpost. The Cold Bay Air Force Station was built to monitor Soviet activity in the Bering Sea and provide a forward base for military aircraft. Though the base was never the site of any direct conflict, its presence underscored the continued importance of the Aleutians in global geopolitics.
The military presence in Cold Bay brought infrastructure improvements to the region, including roads, communication networks, and airfields. These improvements helped open up the region to further economic development and improved transportation and access for local residents.
Formation of Aleutians East Borough and Modern Era (1980s-Present)
Establishment of Aleutians East Borough (1987)
Aleutians East Borough was officially formed in 1987 as part of Alaska’s effort to organize its vast, sparsely populated regions into boroughs for more effective governance. The borough’s creation allowed local communities to have more control over their own affairs, including land use, education, and economic development. Sand Point was designated as the borough seat, becoming the administrative and political center of the region.
Modern Fishing Industry and Environmental Conservation
Today, fishing remains the backbone of the Aleutians East Borough economy. The borough’s waters are some of the richest in the world, providing a sustainable source of seafood for both local consumption and international export. Major species harvested include pollock, salmon, cod, halibut, and crab. The borough’s economy is heavily tied to the global seafood market, with companies from around the world involved in fishing and processing operations in the area.
Environmental conservation has also become a priority in recent decades. The Aleutians East Borough is home to several protected areas, including the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge and the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. These refuges help preserve the region’s unique ecosystems and protect endangered species, such as sea otters and migratory birds. The region’s active volcanoes, such as Mount Shishaldin on Unimak Island, also draw geologists and tourists interested in the natural wonders of the Aleutians.
Cultural Heritage and Modern Life in Aleutians East Borough
Preservation of Aleut Culture
Despite the challenges of colonization, war, and modernization, the Aleut (Unangan) people have maintained a strong cultural presence in the Aleutians East Borough. Many residents are descendants of the original Aleut inhabitants, and efforts to preserve and revitalize Aleut culture have gained momentum in recent years. Traditional arts, such as basket weaving and carving, are taught in local schools, and festivals celebrating Aleut heritage are held in various communities.
The Russian Orthodox Church also continues to play an important role in the cultural life of the region. Many Aleut families have deep ties to the church, which has influenced local traditions and customs for centuries.
Tourism and Adventure in the Aleutians
The natural beauty and remoteness of the Aleutians East Borough have made it an attractive destination for adventurous travelers. Fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring historical sites related to World War II are popular activities for visitors. The borough’s rugged landscape, active volcanoes, and pristine waters offer a unique experience for those seeking a remote and unspoiled wilderness.
The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses much of the Aleutian Islands, is a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The refuge is home to millions of seabirds, including puffins, auklets, and albatrosses, as well as marine mammals such as sea lions and whales.
Present-Day Aleutians East Borough
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Aleutians East Borough has a population of approximately 3,400 people. The population is spread across several small communities, with Sand Point, Akutan, and King Cove being the largest towns. The region’s population is a mix of Indigenous Aleut, non-Native Alaskans, and people from other parts of the U.S. and the world who have come to work in the fishing industry.
Economy and Infrastructure
The economy of Aleutians East Borough is dominated by commercial fishing, with fish processing plants, canneries, and transportation services providing most of the employment in the region. The borough’s remote location presents challenges for infrastructure development, but advances in communication, transportation, and energy have improved living conditions for residents in recent years. Air travel is the primary means of transportation, with regular flights connecting the borough’s communities to Anchorage and other parts of Alaska.
Cultural Landmarks and Attractions
St. Paul’s Historic Russian Orthodox Church
Located in Akutan, St. Paul’s Historic Russian Orthodox Church is a testament to the influence of Russian colonization and missionary activity in the Aleutians. The church is a significant cultural landmark and a symbol of the region’s Russian Orthodox Christian heritage.
Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
This wildlife refuge spans the Aleutian Islands and offers stunning landscapes, unique ecosystems, and abundant wildlife. It is a popular destination for birdwatchers and those interested in exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Izembek National Wildlife Refuge
Located near Cold Bay, this refuge is famous for its vast wetlands and the thousands of migratory birds that pass through it each year. It is one of the most ecologically significant sites in Alaska.
