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| Location: | Kupreanof is located on the northeast shore of Kupreanof Island, across the Wrangell Narrows from Petersburg and Mitkof Island. It lies about 120 miles south of Juneau and 120 miles north of Ketchikan. |
| History: | Early residents homesteaded in the area around the turn of the century, when it was known as West Petersburg. The first business in Kupreanof was a small sawmill started in 1911 by the Knudsen brothers. In its early years, the mill produced barrels for salted fish which were shipped out of Petersburg. The Yukon Fur Farm began raising foxes in the early 1920s, but shortly shifted to mink. It became the first mink farm in Alaska. During the 1920s, over 100 persons resided in West Petersburg. In addition to the sawmill, residents operated a small store, a gaff hook factory, several mink ranches, and commercial fished. During the 1930s and 40s, a small ship repair facility, an outboard motor shop, commercial logging, a clam cannery, and a barrel-maker were operating. Although the Knudsen Mill and the Yukon Fur Farm continued into the 1960s, the economics of living on the Island became more difficult. The population fell from 60 in 1950 to 26 in 1960. The population has since remained stable. Kupreanof was named after the Island when it incorporated as a second class city in 1975 to forestall annexation by Petersburg and to protect the tranquil, rustic, self-sufficient lifestyle that characterizes the community. |
| Climate: | Kupreanof is located in the maritime climate zone. Summer temperatures range 40 to 56, and winter temperatures range 27 to 43. Precipitation averages 105 inches per year, including 93 inches of snow. |
| Latitude: | 56d 45m N |
| Longitude: | 56d 45m N |
| Visitor Attractions: | Numerous mountain hiking trails and Petersburg Creek |
| Contact Organization: | City of Kupreanof |
| Contact Name: | Richard Sprague |
| Title: | Mayor |
| Street: | P.O. Box 50 |
| City: | Petersburg |
| State: | AK |
| Zip: | 99833 |
| Phone: | 907-772-2400 |
| Fax: | 907-772-2401 |
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Alaska Wilderness Recreation and Tourism Association (AWRTA)
2207 Spenard Road, Suite 202, Anchorage, Alaska 99503
TEL: (907) 258-3171 | FAX: (907) 258-3851 | EMAIL
© AWRTA. All Rights Reserved.
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