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Coordinates: 56°14′24″N 134°39′26″W / 56.24000°N 134.65722°W / 56.24000; -134.65722
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{{redirect|Port Alexander|the bay in Angola|Port Alexander, Angola}}
{{redirect|Port Alexander|the bay in Angola|Port Alexander, Angola}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Port Alexander, Alaska
|official_name = Port Alexander, Alaska
|native_name = Shee Yat’aḵ.aan
|settlement_type = [[City (Alaska)|City]]
|settlement_type = [[City (Alaska)|City]]
|nickname =
|nickname =
|motto = <!-- Images -->
|motto =
<!-- Images -->
|image_skyline =
|image_skyline =
|imagesize =
|imagesize =
|image_caption =
|image_caption =
|image_flag =
|image_flag =
|image_seal = <!-- Maps -->
|image_seal =
<!-- Maps -->
|pushpin_map = USA Alaska
|pushpin_map = USA Alaska
|pushpin_relief = yes
|pushpin_relief = yes
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|government_type =
|government_type =
|leader_title = [[Mayor]]
|leader_title = [[Mayor]]
|leader_name = Ryan Martin
|leader_name = Deb Gifford
|leader_title1 = [[Alaska Senate|State senator]]
|leader_title1 = [[Alaska Senate|State senator]]
|leader_name1 = [[Bert Stedman]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]])
|leader_name1 = [[Bert Stedman]] ([[Republican Party (United States)|R]])
|leader_title2 = [[Alaska House of Representatives|State rep.]]
|leader_title2 = [[Alaska House of Representatives|State rep.]]
|leader_name2 = [[Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins]] ([[Democratic Party (United States)|D]])
|leader_name2 = [[Rebecca Himschoot]] ([[Independent politician|I]])
|established_title = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_title = [[Municipal corporation|Incorporated]]
|established_date = July 9, 1974<ref>{{cite book|title=1996 Alaska Municipal Officials Directory|location=[[Juneau]]|publisher=Alaska Municipal League/[[Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development|Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs]]|date=January 1996|page=122}} The incorporation followed the detachment of the area from the original boundaries of the City and Borough of Sitka.</ref>
|established_date = July 9, 1974<ref>{{cite book|title=1996 Alaska Municipal Officials Directory|location=[[Juneau]]|publisher=Alaska Municipal League/[[Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development|Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs]]|date=January 1996|page=122}} The incorporation followed the detachment of the area from the original boundaries of the City and Borough of Sitka.</ref>


<!-- Area -->
<!-- Area -->
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_02.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 29, 2021}}</ref>
|area_footnotes =
|area_magnitude =
|area_magnitude =
|area_total_km2 = 39.0
|area_total_km2 = 38.89
|area_land_km2 = 9.8
|area_land_km2 = 9.07
|area_water_km2 = 29.2
|area_water_km2 = 29.82
|area_total_sq_mi = 15.0
|area_total_sq_mi = 15.01
|area_land_sq_mi = 3.8
|area_land_sq_mi = 3.50
|area_water_sq_mi = 11.3
|area_water_sq_mi = 11.51


<!-- Population -->
<!-- Population -->
|population_as_of = [[2010 United States Census|2010]]
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
|population_footnotes =
|population_footnotes =
|population_total = 52
|population_total = 78
|population_density_km2 = 5.3
|population_density_km2 = 8.60
|population_density_sq_mi = auto
|population_density_sq_mi = 22.29
|timezone = [[Alaska Time Zone|Alaska (AKST)]]
|timezone = [[Alaska Time Zone|Alaska (AKST)]]
|utc_offset = -9
|utc_offset = -9
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|website =
|website =
|footnotes =
|footnotes =
|pop_est_as_of= 2016
|pop_est_as_of =
|pop_est_footnotes= <ref name="USCensusEst2016"/>
|pop_est_footnotes =
|population_est= 54
|population_est =
|unit_pref= Imperial
|unit_pref = Imperial
}}
}}


[[File:Port_Alexander.png | thumb|right | Ariel image of Port Alexander, Alaska]]
'''Port Alexander''' is a city at the southeastern corner of [[Baranof Island]] in [[Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area]],<ref>http://labor.alaska.gov/research/census/maps/bor/02198.pdf</ref> Alaska, United States. At the [[2000 United States Census|2000 census]] the population was 81.
'''Port Alexander''' ([[Tlingit language|Lingít]]: ''Shee Yat’aḵ.aan''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://peterwstanton.medium.com/comprehensive-list-of-tlingit-names-for-all-the-present-day-communities-in-ling%C3%ADt-aan%C3%AD-f93b449a9cc|title = Comprehensive List of Tlingit Names for All the Present-Day Communities in Lingít Aaní|date = August 7, 2018}}</ref>) is a city at the southeastern corner of [[Baranof Island]] in [[Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://labor.alaska.gov/research/census/maps/bor/02198.pdf |title=Archived copy |accessdate=December 17, 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217223547/http://labor.alaska.gov/research/census/maps/bor/02198.pdf |archivedate=December 17, 2014 }}</ref> Alaska, United States. At the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]] the population was 52, down from 81 in 2000.


==History==
==History==
Port Alexander once was a bustling city with as many as 2,500 people in the early 20th century,<ref>Kirchhoff, M. J. "Baranof Island, An Illustrated History." Alaska Cedar Press, 1990, p. 76.</ref> Prior to the 1920s, Port Alexander was the salmon fishing capital of the world.
Port Alexander once was a bustling city with as many as 2,500 people in the early 20th century,<ref>Kirchhoff, M. J. "Baranof Island, An Illustrated History." Alaska Cedar Press, 1990, p. 76.</ref> Prior to the 1920s, Port Alexander was the salmon fishing capital of the world.


Port Alexander originally [[Municipal corporation|incorporated]] in 1936. It became a part of the Greater Sitka Borough in 1963, following the [[Alaska Legislature|state legislature]]'s passage of the Mandatory Borough Act. The original municipality was dissolved when it unified with Sitka's city and borough governments in 1971, which formed the present-day entity known as the City and Borough of Sitka. However, residents were unhappy with the arrangement, and successfully sought to detach themselves from the new municipality. Port Alexander reincorporated as a second class city in 1974.
Port Alexander originally [[Municipal corporation|incorporated]] in 1936. It became a part of the Greater Sitka Borough in 1963, following the [[Alaska Legislature|state legislature]]'s passage of the Mandatory Borough Act. The original municipality was dissolved when it unified with Sitka's city and borough governments in 1971, which formed the present-day entity known as the City and Borough of Sitka. However, residents were independent and desired to govern themselves so they successfully sought to detach themselves from the new municipality. Port Alexander reincorporated as a second class city in 1974.


Currently,{{When|date=November 2013}} the Port Alexander Historical Society is undertaking the project of creating a small museum celebrating the town's history.
The Port Alexander Historical Society successfully completed the project of creating a small museum celebrating the town's history in the 2000s.


==Geography==
==Geography==
Port Alexander is located at {{coord|56|14|24|N|134|39|26|W|type:city}} (56.239871, -134.657177).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/gazette.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>
Port Alexander is located at {{coord|56|14|24|N|134|39|26|W|type:city}} (56.239871, -134.657177).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>


Port Alexander is the only city on a small sliver of land at the southeastern corner of [[Baranof Island]] that is not part of the City and Borough of [[Sitka, Alaska|Sitka]]. It comprises less than one-quarter of one percent of Baranof Island's land area.
Port Alexander is the only city on a small sliver of land at the southeastern corner of [[Baranof Island]] that is not part of the City and Borough of [[Sitka, Alaska|Sitka]]. It comprises less than one-quarter of one percent of Baranof Island's land area.


According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|15.1|sqmi|km2}}, of which, {{convert|3.8|sqmi|km2}} of it is land and {{convert|11.3|sqmi|km2}} of it (74.88%) is water.
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|15.1|sqmi|km2}}, of which, {{convert|3.8|sqmi|km2}} of it is land and {{convert|11.3|sqmi|km2}} of it (74.88%) is water.

The city is served by the Baranautica Air Service with seasonal Essential Air Service flights and the EYAK brings supplies and mail weekly. [[Port Alexander Seaplane Base]].


==Climate==
==Climate==
Despite its latitude at 56°14'N Port Alexander has a [[oceanic climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''Cfb '') with cool, wet(In Port Alexander's case snowy) winters, and mild, dry summers.
Despite its latitude at 56°14'N Port Alexander has an [[oceanic climate]] ([[Köppen climate classification]]: ''Cfb'') with cool, wet (In Port Alexander's case snowy) winters, and mild, dry summers.


{{Weather box
{{Weather box
|location = Port Alexander, Alaska
|location = Port Alexander, Alaska (1991&ndash;2020 normals, extremes 1949&ndash;2017)
|single line = Y
|single line = Y

|Jan record high F = 61
|Feb record high F = 63
|Jan record high F = 52
|Mar record high F = 62
|Feb record high F = 52
|Apr record high F = 82
|Mar record high F = 54
|May record high F = 88
|Apr record high F = 71
|Jun record high F = 89
|May record high F = 77
|Jul record high F = 89
|Jun record high F = 86
|Aug record high F = 90
|Jul record high F = 84
|Sep record high F = 82
|Aug record high F = 82
|Oct record high F = 71
|Sep record high F = 74
|Nov record high F = 67
|Oct record high F = 62
|Dec record high F = 62
|Nov record high F = 55
|Jan high F = 38
|Dec record high F = 54

|Feb high F = 41
|Mar high F = 44
|Jan avg record high F = 47.3
|Apr high F = 49
|Feb avg record high F = 47.3
|May high F = 56
|Mar avg record high F = 49.3
|Jun high F = 61
|Apr avg record high F = 59.6
|Jul high F = 64
|May avg record high F = 67.2
|Aug high F = 64
|Jun avg record high F = 73.7
|Sep high F = 60
|Jul avg record high F = 74.2
|Oct high F = 52
|Aug avg record high F = 74.0
|Nov high F = 44
|Sep avg record high F = 66.0
|Dec high F = 40
|Oct avg record high F = 56.5
|Jan mean F = 34
|Nov avg record high F = 49.9
|Feb mean F = 37
|Dec avg record high F = 47.8
|Mar mean F = 39
|year avg record high F = 77.4

|Apr mean F = 43
|May mean F = 49
|Jan high F = 39.7
|Jun mean F = 54
|Feb high F = 40.8
|Jul mean F = 58
|Mar high F = 43.1
|Aug mean F = 59
|Apr high F = 49.7
|Sep mean F = 54
|May high F = 56.7
|Oct mean F = 47
|Jun high F = 61.4
|Nov mean F = 40
|Jul high F = 64.3
|Dec mean F = 36
|Aug high F = 64.1
|Jan low F = 29
|Sep high F = 58.4
|Feb low F = 32
|Oct high F = 50.9
|Mar low F = 33
|Nov high F = 44.2
|Apr low F = 37
|Dec high F = 40.9
|May low F = 42
|Jan mean F = 36.0
|Jun low F = 48
|Feb mean F = 36.7
|Jul low F = 52
|Mar mean F = 37.9
|Aug low F = 52
|Apr mean F = 43.2
|Sep low F = 48
|May mean F = 49.2
|Oct low F = 42
|Jun mean F = 54.1
|Nov low F = 35
|Jul mean F = 57.2
|Dec low F = 31
|Aug mean F = 57.2
|Jan record low F = 1
|Sep mean F = 52.6
|Feb record low F = 2
|Oct mean F = 46.3
|Mar record low F = 1
|Nov mean F = 40.3
|Apr record low F = 21
|Dec mean F = 37.2
|May record low F = 31
|Jan low F = 32.3
|Jun record low F = 37
|Feb low F = 32.5
|Jul record low F = 40
|Mar low F = 32.7
|Aug record low F = 40
|Apr low F = 36.8
|Sep record low F = 33
|May low F = 41.7
|Oct record low F = 18
|Jun low F = 46.7
|Nov record low F = -3
|Jul low F = 50.1
|Dec record low F = 1
|Aug low F = 50.2
|Jan precipitation inch = 10.10
|Sep low F = 46.9
|Feb precipitation inch = 9.00
|Oct low F = 41.6
|Mar precipitation inch = 8.70
|Nov low F = 36.3
|Apr precipitation inch = 8.50
|Dec low F = 33.4

|May precipitation inch = 6.50
|Jan avg record low F = 20.4
|Jun precipitation inch = 5.00
|Feb avg record low F = 21.2
|Jul precipitation inch = 4.70
|Mar avg record low F = 24.8
|Aug precipitation inch = 6.90
|Apr avg record low F = 29.1
|Sep precipitation inch = 9.90
|May avg record low F = 33.9
|Oct precipitation inch = 16.50
|Jun avg record low F = 39.3
|Nov precipitation inch = 12.90
|Jul avg record low F = 43.4
|Dec precipitation inch = 12.10
|Jan snow inch = 13.00
|Aug avg record low F = 43.0
|Feb snow inch = 10.01
|Sep avg record low F = 37.8
|Mar snow inch = 8.98
|Oct avg record low F = 31.5
|Apr snow inch = 2.01
|Nov avg record low F = 25.7
|May snow inch = 0
|Dec avg record low F = 21.7
|year avg record low F = 13.1
|Jun snow inch = 0

|Jul snow inch = 0
|Aug snow inch = 0
|Jan record low F = -1
|Sep snow inch = 0
|Feb record low F = 4
|Oct snow inch = 0
|Mar record low F = 7
|Nov snow inch = 2.99
|Apr record low F = 18
|Dec snow inch = 10.99
|May record low F = 28
|Jun record low F = 33
|source 1 = http://www.myforecast.com/bin/climate.m?city=10706&metric=false
|Jul record low F = 35
|date=June 2015
|Aug record low F = 37
|Sep record low F = 31
|Oct record low F = 22
|Nov record low F = 1
|Dec record low F = 0

|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 16.25
|Feb precipitation inch = 11.72
|Mar precipitation inch = 11.05
|Apr precipitation inch = 8.64
|May precipitation inch = 7.86
|Jun precipitation inch = 6.65
|Jul precipitation inch = 9.03
|Aug precipitation inch = 13.94
|Sep precipitation inch = 19.34
|Oct precipitation inch = 19.85
|Nov precipitation inch = 18.12
|Dec precipitation inch = 19.58
|year precipitation inch = 162.03
|Jan snow inch = 12.3
|Feb snow inch = 12.0
|Mar snow inch = 11.9
|Apr snow inch = 1.2
|May snow inch = 0.1
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 0.3
|Nov snow inch = 4.1
|Dec snow inch = 14.1
|year snow inch = 56.0
|unit precipitation days = 0.01 inch
|Jan precipitation days = 23.7
|Feb precipitation days = 19.4
|Mar precipitation days = 21.5
|Apr precipitation days = 19.2
|May precipitation days = 16.6
|Jun precipitation days = 15.5
|Jul precipitation days = 16.6
|Aug precipitation days = 18.5
|Sep precipitation days = 23.3
|Oct precipitation days = 25.3
|Nov precipitation days = 24.1
|Dec precipitation days = 24.4
|year precipitation days = 248.1
|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 5.7
|Feb snow days = 4.8
|Mar snow days = 4.9
|Apr snow days = 1.2
|May snow days = 0.1
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 0.2
|Nov snow days = 2.5
|Dec snow days = 4.9
|year snow days = 24.3
|source 1 = NOAA (mean maxima/minima 1981&ndash;2010)<ref>
{{cite web
|url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00507557&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]]
|title = U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: PORT ALEXANDER, AK US USC00507557
|access-date = June 10, 2023
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230610014034/https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&stations=USC00507557&format=pdf&dataTypes=MLY-TMAX-NORMAL,MLY-TMIN-NORMAL,MLY-TAVG-NORMAL,MLY-PRCP-NORMAL,MLY-SNOW-NORMAL
|archive-date = June 10, 2023
}}
</ref><ref name = XMACIS2>
{{cite web
|url = https://xmacis.rcc-acis.org/
|publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
|title = xmACIS2
|access-date = June 14, 2023
}}
</ref>
}}
}}


Line 192: Line 277:
|2000= 81
|2000= 81
|2010= 52
|2010= 52
|2020= 78
|estyear=2016
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
|estimate=54
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2016">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2016.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|accessdate=June 9, 2017}}</ref>
|footnote=<center>U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref></center>
}}
}}
Port Alexander first reported on the 1930 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village. It formally incorporated in 1936. It merged with the City of Sitka in 1971, but detached itself and reincorporated in 1974. Port Alexander is a second-class city.


As of the census<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=http://factfinder2.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2008-01-31|title=American FactFinder}}</ref> of 2000, there were 81 people, 34 households, and 19 families residing in the city. The population density was 21.5 people per square mile (8.3/km²). There were 79 housing units at an average density of 20.9 per square&nbsp;mile (8.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 83.95% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 4.94% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], and 11.11% from two or more races. 4.94% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.
As of the census<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 81 people, 34 households, and 19 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|21.5|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 79 housing units at an average density of {{convert|20.9|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the city was 83.95% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 4.94% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], and 11.11% from two or more races. 4.94% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.


There were 34 households out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, and 41.2% were non-families. 38.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.30.
There were 34 households, out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, and 41.2% were non-families. 38.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.30.


In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 30.9% under the age of 18, 3.7% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 33.3% from 45 to 64, and 2.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 113.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.4 males.
In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 30.9% under the age of 18, 3.7% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 33.3% from 45 to 64, and 2.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.4 males.


The median income for a household in the city was $31,563, and the median income for a family was $31,875. Males had a median income of $51,250 versus $41,250 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $14,767. There were 25.0% of families and 22.9% of the population living below the [[poverty line]], including 18.5% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.
The median income for a household in the city was $31,563, and the median income for a family was $31,875. Males had a median income of $51,250 versus $41,250 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $14,767. There were 25.0% of families and 22.9% of the population living below the [[poverty line]], including 18.5% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

==Education==
The school is the Port Alexander School, operated by [[Southeast Island School District]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://education.alaska.gov/DOE_Rolodex/SchoolCalendar/Home/SchoolDetails/440230 |title=Port Alexander School |publisher=[[Alaska Department of Education]] |access-date=June 2, 2019}}</ref> The students created this video in 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLTIJ7rN-uY&t=66s


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{HAER |survey=AK-57 |id=ak0582 |title=Port Alexander Harbor, Baranof Island, Port Alexander, Sitka Borough, AK |photos=3 |cap=1}}


{{Prince of Wales – Hyder Census Area, Alaska}}
{{Prince of Wales – Hyder Census Area, Alaska}}

{{authority control}}


[[Category:Cities in Alaska]]
[[Category:Cities in Alaska]]
[[Category:Cities in Prince of Wales–Hyder Census Area, Alaska]]
[[Category:Cities in Prince of Wales–Hyder Census Area, Alaska]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Alaska]]
[[Category:Populated coastal places in Alaska on the Pacific Ocean]]

Latest revision as of 22:16, 25 July 2024

"Port Alexander" redirects here. For the bay in Angola, see Port Alexander, Angola.

Port Alexander, Alaska
Shee Yat’aḵ.aan
City
Port Alexander, Alaska is located in Alaska
Port Alexander, Alaska
Port Alexander, Alaska
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 56°14′24″N 134°39′26″W / 56.24000°N 134.65722°W / 56.24000; -134.65722
CountryUnited States
StateAlaska
Census AreaPrince of Wales-Hyder
IncorporatedJuly 9, 1974[1]
Government
 • MayorDeb Gifford
 • State senatorBert Stedman (R)
 • State rep.Rebecca Himschoot (I)
Area
[2]
 • Total
15.01 sq mi (38.89 km2)
 • Land3.50 sq mi (9.07 km2)
 • Water11.51 sq mi (29.82 km2)
Elevation
43 ft (13 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
78
 • Density22.29/sq mi (8.60/km2)
Time zoneUTC-9 (Alaska (AKST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-8 (AKDT)
ZIP code
99836
Area code907
FIPS code02-62510
GNIS feature ID1424551
Ariel image of Port Alexander, Alaska

Port Alexander (Lingít: Shee Yat’aḵ.aan[3]) is a city at the southeastern corner of Baranof Island in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area,[4] Alaska, United States. At the 2010 census the population was 52, down from 81 in 2000.

History

[edit]

Port Alexander once was a bustling city with as many as 2,500 people in the early 20th century,[5] Prior to the 1920s, Port Alexander was the salmon fishing capital of the world.

Port Alexander originally incorporated in 1936. It became a part of the Greater Sitka Borough in 1963, following the state legislature's passage of the Mandatory Borough Act. The original municipality was dissolved when it unified with Sitka's city and borough governments in 1971, which formed the present-day entity known as the City and Borough of Sitka. However, residents were independent and desired to govern themselves so they successfully sought to detach themselves from the new municipality. Port Alexander reincorporated as a second class city in 1974.

The Port Alexander Historical Society successfully completed the project of creating a small museum celebrating the town's history in the 2000s.

Geography

[edit]

Port Alexander is located at 56°14′24″N 134°39′26″W / 56.24000°N 134.65722°W / 56.24000; -134.65722 (56.239871, -134.657177).[6]

Port Alexander is the only city on a small sliver of land at the southeastern corner of Baranof Island that is not part of the City and Borough of Sitka. It comprises less than one-quarter of one percent of Baranof Island's land area.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.1 square miles (39 km2), of which, 3.8 square miles (9.8 km2) of it is land and 11.3 square miles (29 km2) of it (74.88%) is water.

The city is served by the Baranautica Air Service with seasonal Essential Air Service flights and the EYAK brings supplies and mail weekly. Port Alexander Seaplane Base.

Climate

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Despite its latitude at 56°14'N Port Alexander has an oceanic climate (Köppen climate classification: Cfb) with cool, wet (In Port Alexander's case snowy) winters, and mild, dry summers.

Climate data for Port Alexander, Alaska (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1949–2017)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °F (°C) 52
(11) 		52
(11) 		54
(12) 		71
(22) 		77
(25) 		86
(30) 		84
(29) 		82
(28) 		74
(23) 		62
(17) 		55
(13) 		54
(12) 		86
(30)
Mean maximum °F (°C) 47.3
(8.5) 		47.3
(8.5) 		49.3
(9.6) 		59.6
(15.3) 		67.2
(19.6) 		73.7
(23.2) 		74.2
(23.4) 		74.0
(23.3) 		66.0
(18.9) 		56.5
(13.6) 		49.9
(9.9) 		47.8
(8.8) 		77.4
(25.2)
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 39.7
(4.3) 		40.8
(4.9) 		43.1
(6.2) 		49.7
(9.8) 		56.7
(13.7) 		61.4
(16.3) 		64.3
(17.9) 		64.1
(17.8) 		58.4
(14.7) 		50.9
(10.5) 		44.2
(6.8) 		40.9
(4.9) 		51.2
(10.7)
Daily mean °F (°C) 36.0
(2.2) 		36.7
(2.6) 		37.9
(3.3) 		43.2
(6.2) 		49.2
(9.6) 		54.1
(12.3) 		57.2
(14.0) 		57.2
(14.0) 		52.6
(11.4) 		46.3
(7.9) 		40.3
(4.6) 		37.2
(2.9) 		45.7
(7.6)
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 32.3
(0.2) 		32.5
(0.3) 		32.7
(0.4) 		36.8
(2.7) 		41.7
(5.4) 		46.7
(8.2) 		50.1
(10.1) 		50.2
(10.1) 		46.9
(8.3) 		41.6
(5.3) 		36.3
(2.4) 		33.4
(0.8) 		40.1
(4.5)
Mean minimum °F (°C) 20.4
(−6.4) 		21.2
(−6.0) 		24.8
(−4.0) 		29.1
(−1.6) 		33.9
(1.1) 		39.3
(4.1) 		43.4
(6.3) 		43.0
(6.1) 		37.8
(3.2) 		31.5
(−0.3) 		25.7
(−3.5) 		21.7
(−5.7) 		13.1
(−10.5)
Record low °F (°C) −1
(−18) 		4
(−16) 		7
(−14) 		18
(−8) 		28
(−2) 		33
(1) 		35
(2) 		37
(3) 		31
(−1) 		22
(−6) 		1
(−17) 		0
(−18) 		−1
(−18)
Average precipitation inches (mm) 16.25
(413) 		11.72
(298) 		11.05
(281) 		8.64
(219) 		7.86
(200) 		6.65
(169) 		9.03
(229) 		13.94
(354) 		19.34
(491) 		19.85
(504) 		18.12
(460) 		19.58
(497) 		162.03
(4,116)
Average snowfall inches (cm) 12.3
(31) 		12.0
(30) 		11.9
(30) 		1.2
(3.0) 		0.1
(0.25) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.0
(0.0) 		0.3
(0.76) 		4.1
(10) 		14.1
(36) 		56.0
(142)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 inch) 23.7 19.4 21.5 19.2 16.6 15.5 16.6 18.5 23.3 25.3 24.1 24.4 248.1
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) 5.7 4.8 4.9 1.2 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 2.5 4.9 24.3
Source: NOAA (mean maxima/minima 1981–2010)[7][8]

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1930107—
194087−18.7%
195022−74.7%
196018−18.2%
197036100.0%
198086138.9%
199011938.4%
200081−31.9%
201052−35.8%
20207850.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]

Port Alexander first reported on the 1930 U.S. Census as an unincorporated village. It formally incorporated in 1936. It merged with the City of Sitka in 1971, but detached itself and reincorporated in 1974. Port Alexander is a second-class city.

As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 81 people, 34 households, and 19 families residing in the city. The population density was 21.5 inhabitants per square mile (8.3/km2). There were 79 housing units at an average density of 20.9 units per square mile (8.1 units/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 83.95% White, 4.94% Native American, and 11.11% from two or more races. 4.94% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 34 households, out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.8% were married couples living together, and 41.2% were non-families. 38.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.30.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 30.9% under the age of 18, 3.7% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 33.3% from 45 to 64, and 2.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,563, and the median income for a family was $31,875. Males had a median income of $51,250 versus $41,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,767. There were 25.0% of families and 22.9% of the population living below the poverty line, including 18.5% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

Education

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The school is the Port Alexander School, operated by Southeast Island School District.[11] The students created this video in 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLTIJ7rN-uY&t=66s

References

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  1. ^ 1996 Alaska Municipal Officials Directory. Juneau: Alaska Municipal League/Alaska Department of Community and Regional Affairs. January 1996. p. 122. The incorporation followed the detachment of the area from the original boundaries of the City and Borough of Sitka.
  2. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  3. ^ "Comprehensive List of Tlingit Names for All the Present-Day Communities in Lingít Aaní". August 7, 2018.
  4. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on December 17, 2014. Retrieved December 17, 2014.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. ^ Kirchhoff, M. J. "Baranof Island, An Illustrated History." Alaska Cedar Press, 1990, p. 76.
  6. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  7. ^ "U.S. Climate Normals Quick Access – Station: PORT ALEXANDER, AK US USC00507557". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on June 10, 2023. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  8. ^ "xmACIS2". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 14, 2023.
  9. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  10. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  11. ^ "Port Alexander School". Alaska Department of Education. Retrieved June 2, 2019.
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