Unalaska Alaska

Location and Climate
Unalaska overlooks Iliuliuk Bay and Dutch Harbor on Unalaska Island in the Aleutian Chain. It lies 800 air miles from Anchorage, a two- to three-hour flight, and 1,700 miles northwest of Seattle. The name Dutch Harbor is often applied to the portion of the City on Amaknak Island, which is connected to Unalaska Island by bridge. Dutch Harbor is actually within the boundaries of the City of Unalaska. Unalaska is located in the Aleutian Islands Recording District. The area encompasses 115.8 sq. miles of land and 98.6 sq. miles of water. January temperatures range from 25 to 35; summers range from 43 to 53. Average annual precipitation is 57.7 inches. The mean wind speed is 17 MPH.

History, Culture and Demographics
More than 3,000 Unangas (known since the Russian era as "Aleuts") lived in 24 settlements on Unalaska and Amaknak Islands in 1759. Unalaska became a Russian trading port for the fur seal industry in 1768. In 1787, many hunters and their families were enslaved and relocated by the Russian American Company to the Pribilof Islands to work in the fur seal harvest. In 1825, the Russian Orthodox Church of the Holy Ascension of Christ was constructed. The founding priest, Ivan Veniaminov, composed the first Aleut writing system with local assistance, and translated scripture into Aleut. Since Aleuts were not forced to give up their language or culture by the Russian Orthodox priests, the Church remained strong in the community. By this time, however, between 1830 and 1840, only 200 to 400 Aleuts lived in Unalaska. In 1880, the Methodist Church opened a school, clinic and the Jesse Lee Home for orphans. During World War II, on June 3, 1942, Unalaska was attacked by the Japanese. Almost all of the Aleuts on the Island were interned to Southeast Alaska for the duration of the War. The Russian Orthodox Church was nearly destroyed by evacuating U.S. Army troops. The Church is the oldest Russian Orthodox cruciform-style church in North America, and is currently undergoing restoration.

Alaska Natives represent 8.4% of the population. A federally recognized tribe is located in the community. Unalaska is a rapidly-growing and culturally-diverse community, primarily focused on fishing and fish processing activities. Subsistence activities remain important to the Aleut community and many long-term non-Native residents as well.

During the April 1990 U.S. Census, there were 682 total housing units, and 107 of these were vacant. The official unemployment rate at that time was 1%, with 2,518 jobs estimated to be in the community and 7.8% of all adults not in the work force. The median household income was $56,215, and 15.3% of residents were living below the poverty level.

Economy and Transportation
Unalaska's economy is based on commercial fishing, fish processing, and fleet services such as fuel, repairs and maintenance, trade and transportation. The community enjoys a strategic position as the center of a rich fishing area, and for transshipment of cargo between Pacific Rim trading partners. The Great Circle shipping route from major west coast ports to the Pacific Rim passes within 50 miles of Unalaska, and Dutch Harbor provides a natural protection for fishing vessels. The harbor has ranked as the number one port in the nation for seafood volume and value for the past 11 years. In 1998, 597 million pounds of fish were landed in Unalaska, worth $110 million. 51 residents hold commercial fishing permits. Onshore and offshore processors provide some local employment. However, non-resident workers are usually brought in during the peak season. Rapid growth occurred between 1988 and 1992 as the pollock fishery developed; the economy has now stabilized. Unalaska has a budding tourist industry and a new Convention and Visitors Bureau. During 1998, Unalaska received visitors from five cruise ships.

Daily scheduled flights serve the community at the State-owned 3,900' paved runway. A seaplane base is also available. The State Ferry operates bi-monthly from Kodiak between April and October. There are ten major docks in Unalaska; three are operated by the City. A refurbished World War II sub dock offers ship repair services. The International Port of Dutch Harbor serves fishing vessels and shipping, with 5,200 feet of moorage and 1,232 feet of floating dock. The small boat harbor provides 238 moorage slips. The Corps of Engineers plan to make harbor improvements and to develop a second small boat harbor in South Channel, Iliuliuk Bay, called the "Little South America."


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Source: Department of Community & Economic Development