Cities and Towns in Chugach Census Area, Alaska
Founded in, Chugach Census Area is one of 20 boroughs in the state of Alaska. The city of is the borough seat. With FIPS code of 63, Chugach Census Area has a population of 6,941 and area of 9,530 square miles (24,683 km²).
Major Cities and Towns in Chugach Census Area, Alaska
Cordova
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 75.6 square miles
- Population: 2,316 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99574
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 60.5428° N
- Longitude: 145.7575° W
Location and History
Cordova is a small coastal city located in the Chugach Census Area of Alaska, situated at the mouth of the Copper River on the eastern shore of Prince William Sound. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous peoples, particularly the Eyak, Tlingit, and Alutiiq. Cordova was established in 1906 as a port for the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, which transported copper ore from the Kennecott Mines to the coast. The city quickly became a vital hub for the fishing industry, particularly for salmon and herring, which remain the backbone of the local economy today. Cordova is known for its stunning natural beauty, with vast forests, mountains, and waterways surrounding the city, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city’s remote location means it is accessible primarily by air or ferry, preserving its small-town charm and close connection to the natural environment.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cordova is served by the Cordova School District, with Cordova Jr/Sr High School and Mt. Eccles Elementary School providing education to local students. The city is home to several significant landmarks, including the Cordova Historical Museum, which offers exhibits on the area’s rich history, including its Native heritage, fishing industry, and the impact of the 1964 Alaska Earthquake. The nearby Childs Glacier and Miles Glacier are popular tourist attractions, offering stunning views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. The Copper River Delta, the largest contiguous wetland on the Pacific Coast of North America, is also a key landmark, providing critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
Valdez
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 277.1 square miles
- Population: 3,985 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99686
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 61.1308° N
- Longitude: 146.3483° W
Location and History
Valdez is a small city located on the northern shore of Prince William Sound in the Chugach Census Area of Alaska. The city was originally established in 1897 as a gateway for prospectors during the Klondike Gold Rush, although the treacherous Valdez Glacier route proved to be difficult for many. Valdez became an important port for shipping and fishing, and it played a critical role during the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in the 1970s. In 1964, Valdez was devastated by the Good Friday Earthquake, the most powerful earthquake in North American history, which led to the relocation of the town to more stable ground. Valdez is also known for the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history, which had a profound impact on the local ecosystem and economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Valdez is served by the Valdez City School District, with Valdez High School, Gilson Middle School, and Hermon Hutchens Elementary School providing education to local students. The city is home to several significant landmarks, including the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive, which offers exhibits on the area’s history, including the Gold Rush, the 1964 earthquake, and the Exxon Valdez oil spill. The Valdez Marine Terminal, the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, is another key landmark, reflecting the city’s ongoing importance in Alaska’s oil industry. The surrounding Chugach Mountains and Prince William Sound offer unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, skiing, hiking, and glacier tours, making Valdez a popular destination for tourists seeking adventure in Alaska’s wilderness.
Whittier
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 19.7 square miles
- Population: 272 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99693
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 60.7731° N
- Longitude: 148.6836° W
Location and History
Whittier is a small town located at the head of Passage Canal in Prince William Sound, within the Chugach Census Area of Alaska. The town was established during World War II as a military port and supply center, with the construction of the Whittier Tunnel (also known as the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel), which remains the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America. Whittier’s strategic location made it an important military outpost during the Cold War, and much of the town’s infrastructure, including the massive Buckner Building, reflects its military origins. Today, Whittier serves as a gateway to Prince William Sound, with tourism and fishing being the primary industries. The town’s remote location, accessible primarily through the tunnel or by sea, and its unique architecture make it a fascinating and somewhat mysterious destination.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Whittier is part of the Chugach School District, with Whittier Community School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The town’s most notable landmarks include the Whittier Tunnel, which connects the town to the Alaska road system and Anchorage, and the Buckner Building, a massive, abandoned military facility that once housed hundreds of soldiers. Whittier is also known for its stunning natural surroundings, with the nearby Portage Glacier and Blackstone Bay offering opportunities for glacier viewing, kayaking, and wildlife tours. The town’s small boat harbor is a key access point for fishing and recreational boating in Prince William Sound, making Whittier a popular starting point for exploring the region’s rugged beauty.
Chenega
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 15.0 square miles
- Population: 76 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99574
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 60.0711° N
- Longitude: 148.0092° W
Location and History
Chenega is a small, remote village located on Evans Island in Prince William Sound, within the Chugach Census Area of Alaska. The original village of Chenega was devastated by the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake and the resulting tsunami, which destroyed the community and claimed many lives. The village was later re-established on higher ground, and today, Chenega is inhabited primarily by Alaska Natives, particularly the Alutiiq people. The village relies on subsistence activities, such as fishing, hunting, and gathering, for much of its food supply, and its residents maintain a close connection to the land and sea. Chenega’s remote location, accessible only by boat or seaplane, underscores its isolation and the resilience of its people.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Chenega is part of the Chugach School District, with Chenega Bay School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The village’s landmarks are closely tied to its natural environment and cultural heritage. The surrounding waters of Prince William Sound are rich in marine life, providing opportunities for subsistence fishing and wildlife viewing. The village also offers access to the nearby Nellie Juan-College Fiord Wilderness Study Area, a pristine natural area that is home to glaciers, fjords, and a diverse array of wildlife. The community’s history and resilience are commemorated in the village’s efforts to rebuild and preserve its cultural traditions following the devastating earthquake and tsunami.
Map of Cities in Chugach Census Area, AK
