Ketchikan

Ketchikan is 235 miles south of Juneau. It lies along the Inside Passage in "the land of the totem pole." The city is situated on Revillagigelo Island and experiences a moderate, moist climate.

In 1887, a salmon cannery was erected on the future site of Ketchikan. By 1936, seven canneries were in operation, producing 1.5 million cases of salmon. The community blossomed swiftly after nearby copper mining began in 1898. The city's name is said to be a Tlingit phrase, "thundering wings of an eagle."

Today Ketchikan, population 7,922, is Alaska's southernmost major city, which relies upon a fishing and tourism economy. Of interest are Dolly's House Museum, and Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery & Eagle Center. There also is a Salmon Derby in May, a Timber Festival in July, and a Blueberry Arts Festival in August.

Ketchikan is home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world, at Totem Bight State Historical Park.