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Additional Information pages for Prince of Wales Island

139° 44' W Longitude - 59° 33' N Latitude
Yakutat is isolated among the lowlands along the Gulf of Alaska, 212 miles northwest of Juneau and
225 miles southeast of Cordova. It is at the mouth of Yakutat Bay.

Climate:
Yakutat has a maritime climate characterized by relatively mild, often rainy weather. Average summer temperatures range from 42 to 60 degrees Far. and from 17 to 39 degrees Far in winter. Yakutat receives some of the heaviest precipitation in the state, averaging 132 inches, including 219 inches of snowfall.

History:
Yakutat has a diverse cultural history. The original settlers are believed to have been Eyak-speaking people from the Copper River area who were conquered by the Tlingits. Yakutat means "the place where the canoes rest." In the 18th and 19th centuries, English, French, Spanish and Russian explorers came to the region. Fur traders were attracted to the region's sea otters. The Russian-American Co. built a fort in Yakutat in 1805, to harvest sea otter pelts. Because the Russians would not allow local Tlingits access to their traditional fisheries, a Tlingit war party attacked and destroyed the post. In 1884, the Alaska Commercial Co. opened a store in Yakutat. By 1886, the black sand beaches in the area were being mined for gold. In 1889 the Swedish Free Mission Church had opened a school and sawmill in the area. A cannery, sawmill, store and railroad were constructed beginning in 1903 by the Stimson Lumber Co. Most residents moved to the current site of Yakutat to be closer to this cannery, which operated through 1970. During World War II, a large aviation garrison and paved runway were constructed. Troops were withdrawn after the war, but the runway is still in use.
Today, the area maintains a traditional Tlingit culture with influences from the original Eyaks, as well as Russian, English and American traders and miners. Yakutat's economy is dependent on fishing, fish processing and government. Recreational fishing opportunities, both saltwater and freshwater fishing in the Situk River, are world-class. Most residents depend on subsistence hunting and fishing. Salmon, trout, shellfish, deer, moose, bear and goats are harvested. The soil is not suitable for agricultural activities.  There are hardware stores, bed & breakfast, inn, lodges, cafe, gift shops, grocery stores, bank, gas station, boat and car rentals, a post office and a clinic.

Points of interest:
Sightseeing glaciers:
Several glaciers are available for sightseeing in the area.  The Malaspina Glacier is the largest glacier of the north American continent, located northwest of town.  The Hubbard Glacier, located in the Russell Fjord, drew attention in 1986 when its sealed off the mouth of Russell Fjord.