| LOCATED IN THE HEART of Tongass National Forest—the nation's largest at 17 million acres—Ketchikan has long represented the rough-and-tumble image of frontier Alaska. Commercial fishermen, lumberjacks and miners have always been a fixture here.
Discoveries of gold and copper and a growing salmon fishery led to the incorporation of Ketchikan in 1900. By the middle of the 20th century, the town's mining interests faded, but forestry made Ketchikan a world leader in premium forest products. Throughout the 20th century, the wild salmon industry remained strong, and Ketchikan's reputation as a world-class sportfishing destination is well-earned. Today, Ketchikan is riding yet another boom: tourism.
Built on the site of a former Tlingit (pronounced klinket) fishing camp, Ketchikan boasts huge runs of trophy salmon that pour into area streams each summer. "The Salmon Capital of the World" occupies a prime spot on Revillagigedo Island (Revilla Island, as residents call it) near Alaska's southernmost border and just west of British Columbia.
Naturally, the huge number of salmon attracted industry, and the first cannery opened in 1886 near the mouth of Ketchikan Creek. By 1912, four more plants were in operation. The industry reached its peak in 1936, when seven canneries produced 1.5 million cases of the coveted fish for distribution all over the world.
The forests of high-quality timber near Ketchikan ultimately spawned the town's other claim to fame: premium forest products. Red and yellow cedar, western hemlock and Sitka spruce are all in abundant supply here. Spruce was in especially high demand during World War II, and Ketchikan quickly became the world's supply center for premium wood.
In 1954, a pulp mill was constructed at Ward Cove near Ketchikan, and its operation fueled growth for many years. The mill, which sits vacant today, closed in 1997 after its contract with the U. S. Forest Service was cancelled.
Ketchikan is also Alaska's wettest city; on average, a jaw-dropping 13 feet of precipitation falls here annually. Still, the town has its share of glorious sunny days--especially in the summer. If you're fortunate enough to catch Ketchikan on a clear afternoon, few places rival it for stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor opportunities.
These days, tourism plays a vital role in Ketchikan's economy, and the city is widely known for its impressive array of shopping opportunities. Here you'll find hand-made native drums and hand-carved masks and totems, along with carved ivory and whalebone figures. Fabulous jewelry stores, art galleries and a vast selection of unique gifts from locally owned shops are sure to make your trip to Ketchikan an unforgettable experience. |
