City of Ketchikan*

Tongass and Cape Fox Tlingits used Ketchikan Creek as a fish camp, which they called "kitschk-hin," meaning creek of "the thundering wings of an eagle." The abundant fish and timber resources attracted non-Natives to Ketchikan. In 1885, Mike Martin bought 160 acres from Chief Kyan, which later became the township. The first cannery opened in 1886 near the mouth of Ketchikan Creek and four more were built by 1912. The Ketchikan Post Office was established in 1892, and the city was incorporated in 1900. By this time, nearby gold and copper discoveries had briefly brought activity to Ketchikan as a mining supply center. During 1936, seven canneries were in operation, producing 1.5 million cases of salmon. The need for lumber for new construction and packing boxes spawned the Ketchikan Spruce Mills in 1903, which operated for over 70 years. Spruce was in high demand during World War II, and Ketchikan became a supply center for area logging. A $55 million pulp mill was constructed at Ward Cove near Ketchikan in 1954. Its operation fueled the growth of the community. The mill's 50-year contract with the U.S. Forest service for timber was canceled, and the pulp mill closed in March 1997.

Ketchikan is a diverse community. Most Native residents are Tlingit. The largest collection of totem poles in the world is found here at Totem Bight State Historical Park, Saxman Native Village, and the Totem Heritage Center Museum.

Ketchikan has a diverse economy and is a service center. It is a major port of entry into Southeast Alaska. Ketchikan’s economy is primarily supported by a large fishing fleet, fish processing, tourism, and timber.

Ketchikan is located on the southwestern coast of Revillagigedo Island, opposite Gravina Island, near the southern boundary of Alaska. It is 679 miles north of Seattle and 235 miles south of Juneau. The 2.2 million acre Misty Fiords National Monument lies 22 air miles east of Ketchikan. It is the first Alaska port of call for northbound cruise ships and state ferries. It lies at approximately 55.342220 North Latitude and -131.646110 West Longitude.  (Sec. 30, T075S, R091E, Copper River Meridian.)   Ketchikan is located in the Ketchikan Recording District.  The area encompasses 3.4 sq. miles of land and 0.8 sq. miles of water.  The area lies in a maritime climate zone noted for its warm winters, cool summers, and heavy precipitation. Summer temperatures range from 51 to 65 °F; winter temperatures range from 29 to 39 °F. Ketchikan averages 162 inches (13.5 feet) of precipitation annually, with 32 inches of snowfall. *State of AK, DOT AMHS.

8,050 (US Census)

Home Rule City originally incorporated in 1900. The City currently employs 6 lead staff and many support positions. Regular elections are held the 1^st Tuesday of October. City Council meets the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays. The current city sales tax is 3.5%. www.city.ketchikan.ak.us

Ketchikan Public Utilities. Power source: hydro with diesel back-up. Kilowatt capacity: 64,050. In November of 2010 the small commercial rate for 1,500kWh/month was $0.0897 with a monthly fee of $36.00. (JEDC Asset Mapping Report)

Water is derived from a dam on Ketchikan Lake, is chlorinated, stored, and piped to homes within the City's boundaries. The Borough operates a water treatment facility at Mountain Point, south of the City. A few homes use rain catchment systems. The City owns a central sewage collection system with primary treatment. A Borough sewage treatment plant is located at Mountain Point. 98% of homes are fully plumbed.

The Deer Mountain landfill has an incinerator, balefill system, recycling and resource re-use, and household hazardous waste collection events. The City also ships baled refuse out-of-state.

State-owned Ketchikan International Airport has a paved, lighted 7,500’x150’ runway. Four seaplane/float plane landing facilities, deep draft dock, five small boat harbors, and a State-owned and operated ferry terminal. Large dry dock for ship repair; Alaska Ship & Dry Dock.

Accessible by major airline, State-owned Alaska Marine Highway System, and small air and water craft.

Ketchikan General Hospital. Ketchikan Indian Community Tribal Health Clinic (operator: Ketchikan Indian Corporation). US Coast Guard Ketchikan Dispensary. Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service and volunteers. The hospital is a qualified Acute Care facility and Medevac Service. The USCG facility provides emergency support only and is a qualified Emergency Care Center. Long Term Care: Ketchikan Pioneers' Home; Island View Manor. Specialized Care: Gateway Center for Human Services.

Ketchikan Indian Community. (Housing Authority) Ketchikan Indian Corporation. (Village Council; Bureau Of Indian Affairs-Recognized Indian Reorganization Act Council, but not ANCSA)

Boys & Girls Club, Ted Ferry Civic Center, American Legion Hall, High School Pool, Tongass Historical Museum, Centennial Museum, Totem Heritage Center, State Superior Court/District Court, Ketchikan Correctional Center, Ketchikan Public Library