Anchorage Daily News

CRAIG

POPULATION: 1,054 (2007)

LOCATION: On a small island off the west coast of Prince of Wales Island, connected to it by a short causeway; 31 road miles west of Hollis and 56 air miles northwest of Ketchikan.

DESCRIPTION: Predominantly a fishing community (about 200 residents hold commercial permits), although the economy also depends on logging and sawmill operations. Growth has occurred in part due to the town's increased role as a service and transportation center for Prince of Wales Island communities. Shan-Seet Village Corporation timber operations, the Viking Lumber Co. sawmill, fishing, fish processing, government and commercial services provide most jobs. Deer, salmon, halibut, shrimp and crab are harvested for recreational or subsistence purposes. Alaska Natives are about three of every 10 residents. The 2000 U.S. Census found 719 residents employed and nearly one in 10 residents living below the official U.S. poverty level. There are four schools in the community, attended by about 860 students.

HISTORY: The Tlingit and Haida peoples have historically used this area for its rich resources. With the help of local Haidas, a fish saltery was built on nearby Fish Egg Island in 1907 by Craig Miller. Between 1908 and 1911, Miller constructed a packing company and cold storage plant at the present site of Craig. In 1912, a post office, school, sawmill and salmon cannery were built. Excellent pink salmon runs aided development and growth through the late 1930s; the fishing industry collapsed in the 1950s. In 1972, Ed Head built a large sawmill near Klawock six miles from Craig. It was sold in the early 1990s to Viking Lumber.

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