Cities and Towns in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska
Founded in, Hoonah–Angoon Census Area is one of 20 boroughs in the state of Alaska. The city of is the borough seat. With FIPS code of 105, Hoonah–Angoon Census Area has a population of 2,332 and area of 6,555 square miles (16,977 km²).
Major Cities and Towns in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska
Hoonah
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 8.7 square miles
- Population: 760 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99829
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 58.1100° N
- Longitude: 135.4431° W
Location and History
Hoonah is the largest Tlingit community in Alaska, located on Chichagof Island in the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area. The area has been inhabited by the Tlingit people for thousands of years, and the town’s name means “place protected from the North Wind” in the Tlingit language. Hoonah was officially established in the early 20th century as a fishing village and has grown into a vibrant community with a strong cultural heritage. The town was largely destroyed by fire in 1944 but was rebuilt with the help of the U.S. government. Fishing, tourism, and forestry have been the mainstays of the local economy, with Hoonah serving as a gateway to the surrounding wilderness areas, including Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hoonah is served by the Hoonah City School District, with Hoonah City School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The town is home to several significant landmarks, including the Icy Strait Point, a popular cruise ship destination that features restored cannery buildings, cultural exhibits, and adventure tours. The Hoonah Totem Park showcases traditional Tlingit totem poles and offers insights into the rich cultural heritage of the area. Additionally, Hoonah is known for its access to spectacular natural landscapes, with opportunities for whale watching, fishing, and exploring the nearby wilderness. The annual Hoonah Tlingit Day is a significant cultural event that celebrates the community’s history and traditions.
Angoon
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 22.5 square miles
- Population: 466 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99820
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 57.5036° N
- Longitude: 134.5833° W
Location and History
Angoon is a small Tlingit village located on the western side of Admiralty Island in the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska. The village is one of the oldest Tlingit communities in Southeast Alaska and has a history that spans thousands of years. Angoon’s location on Admiralty Island, also known as “Fortress of the Bears,” is significant due to the island’s large population of brown bears and its abundant natural resources. The village was historically a stronghold for the Tlingit people, and its residents continue to maintain a deep connection to their cultural heritage and traditional subsistence lifestyle. Fishing, hunting, and gathering are central to life in Angoon, with the surrounding waters and forests providing the resources necessary for the community’s sustenance.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Angoon is part of the Chatham School District, with Angoon School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The village is known for its stunning natural surroundings, including Admiralty Island National Monument and the Kootznoowoo Wilderness, which offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and fishing. The community’s cultural landmarks include several historic totem poles and the Angoon Cultural Center, which preserves and promotes Tlingit traditions, art, and language. The village also serves as a gateway to the Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area, one of the best places in Alaska to observe brown bears in their natural habitat. The annual Kootéeyaa Ceremony is a significant cultural event that celebrates the raising of new totem poles and the continuity of Tlingit traditions.
Tenakee Springs
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 17.4 square miles
- Population: 131 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99841
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 57.7783° N
- Longitude: 135.2194° W
Location and History
Tenakee Springs is a small town located on Chichagof Island in the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska. The town is known for its natural hot springs, which have been used for centuries by the Tlingit people and later by settlers who established the community in the early 20th century. Tenakee Springs developed as a retreat and health resort, attracting visitors who sought the therapeutic benefits of the hot springs. The town’s remote location and lack of road access have helped it maintain a peaceful, slow-paced lifestyle, with a strong focus on community and self-sufficiency. Fishing and tourism are the mainstays of the local economy, with the town’s natural beauty and serene atmosphere making it a popular destination for those seeking a quiet escape.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Tenakee Springs is served by the Chatham School District, with students typically attending school in nearby communities or through homeschooling. The town’s most notable landmark is the Tenakee Hot Springs Bathhouse, a public bathhouse that remains the heart of the community, where residents and visitors alike come to relax and socialize. The town’s picturesque boardwalk, which runs along the waterfront, is lined with quaint homes, shops, and galleries, adding to its charm. The surrounding Tongass National Forest provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with the town serving as a gateway to some of the most pristine wilderness in Southeast Alaska. The annual Tenakee Springs Blueberry Festival is a community event that celebrates the local harvest and the town’s unique lifestyle.
Gustavus
Area, Population, and Coordinates
- Area: 37.8 square miles
- Population: 446 (as of the last census)
- ZIP Codes: 99826
- Latitude and Longitude:
- Latitude: 58.4136° N
- Longitude: 135.7367° W
Location and History
Gustavus is a small community located at the mouth of the Salmon River in the Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska, just outside the entrance to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The area was originally inhabited by the Tlingit people and later settled by homesteaders in the early 20th century. Gustavus was originally named “Strawberry Point” due to the abundance of wild strawberries that grew in the area, but it was later renamed Gustavus after the nearby Glacier Bay. The community developed as a gateway to Glacier Bay National Park, with tourism becoming a major part of the local economy. Gustavus is known for its stunning natural surroundings, with the park offering access to some of the most spectacular glacial landscapes in the world.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gustavus is part of the Chatham School District, with Gustavus School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The town’s most significant landmark is Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, which draws visitors from around the world to experience its glaciers, wildlife, and pristine wilderness. The park’s visitor center in Bartlett Cove offers exhibits and information about the area’s natural and cultural history. Gustavus also has a small airport, providing vital connections to Juneau and other parts of Alaska. The community hosts several events throughout the year, including the Gustavus Music Festival and the Glacier Bay Marathon, which attract participants and visitors interested in the area’s unique blend of natural beauty and cultural activities.
Map of Cities in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, AK
