Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska
Ketchikan Gateway Borough is located in Southeast Alaska near the southern tip of the state. It is known as Alaska’s “First City” because it is often the first stop for ships arriving from the south.
Around 14,000 people live in the borough, with most of the population residing in Ketchikan city. The area is well known for its totem poles and Native Alaskan art. Fishing and tourism are the main industries. Ketchikan receives a significant amount of rainfall and is considered one of the wettest places in North America.
The borough includes part of the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. Cruise ships bring large numbers of visitors during the summer. The region has a rich heritage shaped by Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures. Despite its remote location, Ketchikan has a lively arts scene. The borough is also known for its stunning scenery, with mountains rising directly from the sea.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Borough Name | Ketchikan Gateway Borough |
| Borough Seat | Ketchikan |
| Population | Approximately 14,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Ketchikan, Saxman, Ward Cove, Mountain Point, Herring Cove |
| Interstates and Highways | None (No interstates; Tongass Highway provides transportation) |
| FIPS Code | 02-130 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 6,654 square miles (Land: 4,858 sq mi, Water: 1,796 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Boroughs and Census Areas (and Direction) | Prince of Wales–Hyder Census Area (West), City and Borough of Wrangell (North) |
| Time Zone | Alaska Time Zone (AKT) |
| State | Alaska |
| Coordinates | 55.3422° N, 131.6461° W |
| Etymology | Named after the city of Ketchikan, which derives from the Tlingit name “Kichx̱áan” meaning “Thundering Wings of an Eagle” |
| Major Landmarks | Misty Fjords National Monument, Totem Bight State Historical Park, Tongass National Forest, Saxman Totem Park, Creek Street, Deer Mountain |
