Petersburg Borough, Alaska is a borough located in the Alexander Archipelago of Southeast Alaska. It is part of the Petersburg Census Area and has a population of around 3,000 people. It is bordered by Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve to the east and Prince of Wales Island to the south. The area was first explored by Europeans in 1741 when it was visited by Russian explorers.
According to theinternetfaqs.com, the borough was named after Peter Buschmann, a Norwegian immigrant who settled in the area and built a sawmill there in 1883. The town quickly grew as an important fishing center for salmon, halibut, herring, and other fish species. By 1900, it had become a bustling port with a population of over 1,000 people.
Today, Petersburg Borough is home to numerous attractions for visitors to explore such as the Petersburg Historical Museum which showcases artifacts from early settlers and Native Alaskans as well as displays about local wildlife. Visitors can also take part in various outdoor activities such as fishing or whale watching or explore nearby glaciers on boat tours. Additionally, there are several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.
The area is also known for its talented artists such as sculptor/painter Dale DeArmond who was born in Petersburg Borough and worked here throughout her life before passing away in 2006 at the age of 95. Other notable people from this area include former governor William Egan who served from 1959-1966; poet Richard Dauenhauer who wrote about his experiences growing up in Southeast Alaska; folklorist/storyteller Margaret Lantis who collected stories from Native Alaskans; artist Rie Muñoz whose works depict life on the water; and writer/historian Ciaran Trace whose works focus on Alaskan history and culture.
Petersburg Borough offers visitors plenty to see and do – whether you’re looking to explore some local history or take part in some outdoor activities – there’s something here for everyone.
Climate and weather in Petersburg Borough, Alaska
According to ehuacom.com, Petersburg Borough, Alaska is located in the southeastern part of the state and has a maritime climate. The area experiences moderate temperatures throughout the year with warm summers and cool winters. During summer months, temperatures average around 52°F (11°C) while winter months are usually around 34°F (1°C). The area also receives abundant rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of nearly 100 inches (254 cm).
The weather in Petersburg Borough can be unpredictable and can change quickly. Summer days are usually sunny and pleasant, although occasional rain showers are common. Summers are also known for their long days as daylight lasts up to 20 hours during peak season.
Winters in Petersburg Borough can be cold and wet with frequent snowfall. Temperatures often drop below freezing at night while daytime highs remain just above freezing. Snowfall is common from November through April, although it varies depending on location within the borough.
Springtime brings milder temperatures as well as ample rainfall which helps to thaw out frozen ground from winter months. This is also a great time for visiting wildlife such as bald eagles, bears, and otters which come out of hibernation during this season.
Fall is a pleasant time of year in Petersburg Borough with cooler temperatures and less precipitation than other seasons. This is an ideal time to explore outdoor activities such as hiking or fishing before winter sets in again.
Petersburg Borough has a mild climate with frequent rainfall throughout the year that varies depending on season and location within the borough. Despite its unpredictable weather, visitors to this area can enjoy beautiful views of mountains, glaciers, coastline, and wildlife no matter what time of year they visit.
Transportation in Petersburg Borough, Alaska
Petersburg Borough, Alaska has an extensive network of transportation options for residents and visitors alike. The main form of transportation is by road, with the borough having a total of 635 miles (1,019 km) of roads. The majority of these roads are paved and maintained by the Alaska Department of Transportation. The borough also has two ferry services that operate between Petersburg and Kupreanof Island in the summer months.
Public transportation is provided by the Petersburg Transit System which operates two bus lines throughout the borough. These buses run on a regular schedule Monday through Saturday and make stops at major points throughout the borough such as grocery stores, parks, and schools.
Other forms of transportation include air services provided by local airlines such as Alaska Airlines and Peninsula Airways which offer scheduled flights to nearby cities such as Juneau and Anchorage. There is also one local taxi service in Petersburg Borough that operates 24 hours a day.
In addition to these services, there are various other ways to get around the borough such as biking, walking, or using a private vehicle like a car or boat. There are many scenic biking trails throughout the area that provide stunning views of mountains, glaciers, coastline, and wildlife. Walking is also an option for getting around town but can be difficult due to long distances between destinations within the borough.
Petersburg Borough provides plenty of options for getting around whether you’re using public transportation or private vehicles like cars or boats. With its extensive network of roads and its various air services available from local airlines visitors can easily get around this beautiful part of Alaska.
Cities and towns in Petersburg Borough, Alaska
Petersburg Borough, Alaska is home to a number of cities and towns. The largest city in the borough is Petersburg, with a population of approximately 3,000 people. It is located on Mitkof Island and serves as the commercial center for the borough. Other cities in the borough include Kupreanof, Wrangell, Tenakee Springs, and Port Alexander.
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Kupreanof is a small fishing village located on Kupreanof Island. It has a population of about 500 people and was established in 1883 as a cannery town. This quaint community offers visitors stunning views of mountains and glaciers from its picturesque waterfront location.
Wrangell is another city located within Petersburg Borough that has a population of around 2,200 people. This city is situated on Wrangell Island and offers visitors plenty to do such as exploring historical landmarks like Chief Shakes Tribal House or taking part in outdoor activities like fishing or kayaking.
Tenakee Springs is another small town located within the borough with a population of around 300 people. This remote community was founded in 1880 by gold miners who were seeking their fortune in the area’s rich deposits. Today, it serves as an important port for freight vessels bringing supplies to nearby communities such as Petersburg and Wrangell.
Port Alexander is yet another small town located within Petersburg Borough with a population of about 100 people. This isolated community was founded by pioneers who arrived here by boat from San Francisco in 1886 and has since become an important fishing hub for the region’s commercial fishermen looking to take advantage of its abundant resources such as salmon, halibut, rockfish, cod, crab, and more.
Petersburg Borough has plenty to offer visitors to explore when visiting these various cities and towns throughout the area. From stunning views of mountains and glaciers at Kupreanof to outdoor activities at Wrangell or even historical landmarks at Tenakee Springs there’s something for everyone no matter what time of year they visit.