Petersburg, Alaska

The City of Petersburg, population 3,224, is located on the northwest end of Mitkof Island, where the Wrangell Narrows meets Fredrick Sound. It lies midway between Juneau and Ketchikan, about 120 miles from either community.

Tlingit Indians were the first to utilize the area surrounding Petersburg for hunting and fishing. Petersburg was named for Peter Buschmann, a Norwegian immigrant and pioneer in the fish cannery business who arrived in the late 1890's. His cannery business grew into this community, populated largely by people of Scandinavian origin.

Since its beginning, Petersburg's economy has been based on commercial fishing and timber harvests. Petersburg is home to the largest commercial fishing fleet in Southeast Alaska and currently is one of the top-ranking ports in the U.S. for the quality and value of fish landed. Included in many local businesses that serve as support for the fleet are three large cannery/cold storage companies, two machine shops, shipyard, boat repair facilities, welding & custom fabrication, electronics, fuel service and personal goods.

Self-reliance is necessary for an island community, thus local retail shopping and services offer an unusually wide range of inventory for locals and visitors alike. Clothing, home & hardware, pharmacy, grocery, business supply, gallery & gift stores are available year around. Available services include dental, chiropractic, banking, automotive, bookkeeping, restaurants, insurance and hotels among others.

The City of Petersburg on northern Mitkof Island.

Public Health Facilities include a 25-bed hospital with long-term care and clinic that houses 3 of the 5 local doctors. The well maintained Mt. View Senior Center consists of 24 self-contained apartments with ongoing plans of expansion to include assisted living amenities.

Both public and on-going education is of high importance for Petersburg children and adults. The 51 certified teachers on staff give quality education and support to the district's 650 students. Continuing education is available in association with the University of Alaska through the Community Schools program. The public school campus houses the high school and gym, middle school, elementary school, public swimming pool and community gym.

To compliment the diligent work ethic numerous club and fraternal organizations round out the community's busy social life. There are many active churches with regular services as well.

Wildlife abounds…Canada geese, bald eagles, seals, whales, sea lions, wolves, black bear, moose, deer, mountain goats, and trumpeter swans are among the many local species. Local citizens and visitors alike enjoy sport fishing for crab, shrimp, salmon and halibut. On or near Mitkof Island there are lakes for fishing and beaches for clamming, with many inland waterways for kayaking and canoeing. Hunting and hiking areas are accessible by automobile and trail on the many miles of recreational roads. Forest Service cabins, for those who enjoy camping out, are available in various areas close by