Klawock, Alaska
Incorporated: 1929
Population: 854
City Hall: 907-755-2261
Klawock is located on the west coast of Prince of Wales Island, on Klawock Inlet, across from Klawock Island. The population has grown from about 260 recorded in the 1890 census to nearly 860 today. Early inhabitants were from Tuxekan, a Tlingit winter village to the north. Klawock was used as a summer fishing camp, and has been known as Klawerak, Tlevak, Clevak, and Klawuk. The history of Klawock is closely tied to the fishing industry. A trading post and salmon saltery were established in 1868, and the first cannery in Alaska was built here by a San Francisco firm in 1878.
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Klawock is a major center of Tlingit culture. Each year the local Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood sponsors the Elizabeth Peratrvich Celebration in February with ceremonies and potluck. The City also sponsors a week long summer festival "Celebration by the Sea."
Klawock's totem Park has the largest collection of authentic totem poles in Alaska. The park displays original and replica totems from the old village of Tuxecan. The City, assisted by the Village corporation's donation of whole logs, recently built a carving shed to house many of the totem poles during restoration. Visitors are welcome to drop by to see the carvers at work. It is located across the street from the mall. Klawock is also home to the second oldest hatchery in Alaska. The hatchery enhances the local salmon runs including sockeye (reds), coho (silvers), and steelhead (sea going rainbow trout). The hatchery is open for tours. Besides fishing, the economy is supported by a local sawmill and area logging operations.
With its own boat launch and harbor, Klawock is an ideal departure point for day trip or extended boating exploration of the bays, inlets and surrounding islands.
Excerpted from www.dced.state.ak.us/mra
City of Klawock
