Cities and Towns in Wrangell Borough, Alaska
Founded in 2008, Wrangell is one of 20 boroughs in the state of Alaska. Historically, Wrangell was formed from formerly part of Wrangell-Petersburg Census Area. The city of (Consolidated city-borough) is the borough seat. With FIPS code of 275, Wrangell has a population of 2,055 and area of 2,556 square miles (6,620 km²).
List of all cities in Wrangell Borough, AK alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Kake, AK | 99830 | 907 |
Petersburg, AK | 99833 | 907 |
Port Alexander, AK | 99836 | 907 |
Sitka, AK | 99836 | 907 |
Wrangell, AK | 99929 | 907 |
Major Cities and Towns in Wrangell Borough, Alaska
Wrangell
- Area: 70.8 square miles
- Population: 2,127 (as of the 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 99929
- Latitude and Longitude: 56.4700° N, 132.3767° W
Location and History
Wrangell is the primary community and only incorporated city within the Wrangell Borough in southeastern Alaska. It is located on Wrangell Island at the mouth of the Stikine River. The area has a rich history, having been inhabited by the Tlingit people for thousands of years before European contact. The town was established in 1834 as a Russian fort, named Redoubt Saint Dionysius, and later became Fort Wrangell under the British Hudson’s Bay Company. Wrangell played a significant role during the fur trade era and later became a key supply center during the Klondike Gold Rush. Its strategic location made it a hub for transportation and trade throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Wrangell’s economy is largely based on fishing, tourism, and timber, with the town serving as a gateway to the Tongass National Forest and the Stikine River Valley.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wrangell is served by the Wrangell Public School District, with Wrangell High School being the primary educational institution. The town is home to several significant landmarks, including Chief Shakes Island, which houses a reconstructed Tlingit tribal house and totem poles, reflecting the deep cultural heritage of the area. Another key site is the Wrangell Museum, which offers exhibits on the town’s diverse history, from its indigenous roots to its days as a bustling frontier town. The nearby Anan Wildlife Observatory is a popular attraction, providing opportunities to observe bears fishing for salmon in their natural habitat. Wrangell’s proximity to the Stikine River also makes it a popular destination for kayaking, fishing, and exploring the vast wilderness of the Tongass National Forest. The annual Wrangell Bearfest celebrates the town’s connection to the natural world with events focused on wildlife, conservation, and outdoor adventure. Wrangell’s blend of history, culture, and natural beauty make it a unique and welcoming community in Alaska’s southeastern region.