Kasaan, Alaska
Incorporated: 1976
Population: 55
City Hall: 907-542-2212
The city of Kasaan is located on the eastern side of Kasaan Bay on Prince of Wales Island, approximately 38 air miles from Ketchikan. Although Kasaan is most often associated with the Haida natives, it was originally in Tlingit territory. Its name means "pretty place" or "beautiful city by the sea" in Tlingit. Present day Kasaan is actually known as New Kasaan. Old Kasaan was located farther south along the coast. It was settled in the late 1770's by Haida natives who had ventured over earlier from the middle U.S. to Canada's Queen Charlotte Island in British Columbia. They then moved to Cape Chacon (pronounced shack-un) and up the east coast of Prince of Wales Island. They moved across the bay in the late 1880's.
The beautiful harbor connects to the waterfront road by a boardwalk. The main road runs through the city. Kasaan is accessible by car, float plane or private boat. The road to Kasaan begins with a turn-off at Goose Creek near Thorne Bay. Employers for the 39 full time residents include the City of Kasaan and Southeast Island School District. The Kasaan School has managed to stay open with the requirement of ten students.
Kasaan's ANCSA Corporation, owns the land where a beautiful, historic totem pole is located. The totem house was the home of Chief Son-i-hat. A cemetery is located at the totem park. Take a walk on the peaceful, quiet trail that leads, unexpectedly, to 12 totems hidden in the forest. Walk inside the Whale Clan House and view the totems inside which remain bright and vivid.
Beachcombing, photography, fishing and sitting on the beach in solitude are perfect activities for this area. Visitors may park their cars by the Community Hall and walk to the totem house, a short fifteen minute walk.
Written by Annette Thompson
