Anchorage Daily News

POPULATION: 807 (2006)

LOCATION: On a sand spit on the south side of the Alaska Peninsula, 18 air miles southeast of Cold Bay and 625 miles southwest of Anchorage.

DESCRIPTION: Scandinavians have historically influenced the cultural, economic and social structures of this mixed non-Native and Unangan community, where Alaska Natives make up nearly one-half of the population. King Cove's economy depends almost entirely on year-round commercial fishing and seafood processing industries. The Peter Pan facility is one of the largest cannery operations under one roof in Alaska; up to 500 nonresidents work there as needed. About five dozen residents hold commercial fishing permits. Income is supplemented by subsistence activities. There is one school, attended by about 110 students.

HISTORY: The community was founded in 1911 when Pacific American Fisheries built a salmon cannery. Early settlers were mostly Scandinavian and Aleut fishermen. Of the first 10 founding families, five consisted of a European father and an Aleut mother. The cannery operated between 1911 and 1976, when it was partially destroyed by fire. The city was incorporated in 1949. The adoption of the 200-mile fisheries limit spurred rebuilding.

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