Anchorage Daily News

POPULATION: 2,048 (2007)

LOCATION: North of Houston in the Mat-Su Borough, between Mile 60 and Mile 80.7 of the George Parks Highway.

DESCRIPTION: Many residents in this gold rush-sired community are self-employed in a variety of businesses, including lodging, guiding and charter services and retail stores. There are two saw mills and one prefabricated wood building manufacturer. Some residents are employed in Palmer, Wasilla and Anchorage; 18 hold commercial fishing permits. Capitol Speedway attracts stock car racing enthusiasts from the entire state. Two schools are attended by about 180 students. During the April 2000 U.S. Census, almost 60 percent of the 1,530 homes in Willow were vacant or for seasonal use. At the same time, 625 residents were employed, per capita income was $22,323 and 22 percent of residents were living below the official U.S. poverty level.

HISTORY: The Dena'ina Athabascans have occupied this area historically, living in semipermanent villages. The present community got its start when gold was discovered on Willow Creek in 1897. During construction of the Alaska Railroad, surveyors, construction crews, homesteaders and other settlers came. During World War II, a radar warning station and airfield were built. The Trail's End Lodge was built in 1947, becoming a post office in 1948. By 1954, Willow Creek was Alaska's largest gold mining district. Land disposals, homestead subdivisions and completion of the Parks Highway in 1972 fueled growth. In 1976, Alaskans selected Willow for their new state capital site. However, funding to enable the capital move was defeated in the November 1982 election.

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