11/02/2023
Petersburg, Alaska is a charming coastal town nestled on Mitkof Island in the heart of Southeast Alaska. The town boasts a rich history that intertwines the indigenous Tlingit culture with the pioneering spirit of Norwegian settlers. With a present-day population of approximately 3,100 residents, Petersburg is a place where the past harmonizes with the present, and where the traditions of the Tlingit people and the Norwegian immigrants continue to shape the town's unique character.
Long before the arrival of European settlers, the Tlingit people inhabited the lands surrounding Petersburg. These skilled hunters and fishermen used the area for sustenance and trade, leaving behind ancient fish traps and petroglyphs that can still be seen at low tide, offering a tangible link to their enduring presence. Alaska Natives remain an integral part of Petersburg, comprising more than 10 percent of the population and playing a significant role in the community's identity.
Petersburg's strategic location, with easy access to the bountiful waters of Frederick Sound and other nearby fishing areas, made it an ideal spot for canneries and a hub for commercial fishing. In 1897, the arrival of Norwegian pioneer Peter Buschmann marked a pivotal moment in the town's history.
Recognizing the potential of the clear, clean ice from the nearby LeConte Glacier, Buschmann founded the Icy Strait Packing Company cannery, a sawmill, and a dock.
This laid the foundation for the town's development, as Buschmann's family homesteads eventually grew into the town of Petersburg. The population swelled, primarily with people of Scandinavian descent, and by 1920, 600 residents called Petersburg home year-round. This could be your next great adventure contact me for more information, and let me design, plan and book this for you and your family thanks [email protected]