Petersburg Borough, Alaska
Petersburg Borough is located in Southeast Alaska on Mitkof Island. It is known as “Little Norway” because of its strong Norwegian heritage. The main town in the borough is Petersburg, located in the southern part of the island.
Petersburg is surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, with mountains and glaciers nearby. Fishing is the main industry, particularly salmon and halibut fishing. The town has a busy harbor filled with fishing boats.
The area reflects a mix of Tlingit and Scandinavian cultures. Petersburg is well known for its Little Norway Festival, held every May. Despite its small size, the borough has a strong sense of community. The scenery is beautiful, offering views of mountains and the Inside Passage. Wildlife is common in the area, including bears, eagles, and sea lions. Petersburg is away from the usual tourist routes, giving it a more authentic Alaskan atmosphere.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Borough Name | Petersburg Borough |
| Borough Seat | Petersburg |
| Population | Approximately 3,100 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Petersburg, Kupreanof, Thomas Bay, Kake (partly) |
| Interstates and Highways | None (No interstates; Alaska Marine Highway provides transportation) |
| FIPS Code | 02-195 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 3,829 square miles (Land: 2,896 sq mi, Water: 933 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Boroughs and Census Areas (and Direction) | Juneau City and Borough (Northwest), Wrangell City and Borough (Southeast), Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area (Southeast), Hoonah–Angoon Census Area (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Alaska Time Zone (AKT) |
| State | Alaska |
| Coordinates | 56.8125° N, 132.9556° W |
| Etymology | Named after the city of Petersburg, which was founded by Norwegian immigrant Peter Buschmann in 1897 |
| Major Landmarks | LeConte Glacier, Stikine-LeConte Wilderness, Petersburg Mountain, Mitkof Island, Hammer Slough |
