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Chitina |
| (CHIT-nuh or CHIH-tee-nuh) |
For Photos of Chitina click here
| Current Population: |
| Incorporation Type: |
Unincorporated |
| Borough Located In: |
Unorganized |
| Taxes: |
No taxing authority
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Location and Climate
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Chitina is located on the west bank of the Copper River at its confluence with the Chitina River, at mile 34 of the Edgerton Highway, 53 miles southeast of Copper Center. It lies outside the western boundary of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, 66 miles southeast of Glennallen. It lies at approximately 61.515830° North Latitude and -144.436940° West Longitude.
(Sec. 14, T004S, R005E, Copper River Meridian.)
Chitina is located in the Chitina Recording District.
The climate in Chitina is continental, characterized by long, cold winters and relatively warm summers. Total annual precipitation averages 12 inches, with an average annual snowfall of 52 inches, with a total annual precipitation of 12 inches. Temperature extremes from a low of -58 to a high of 91 degrees Fahrenheit have been recorded. Chitina is usually 10 degrees warmer than its neighbor, Kenny Lake. |
Topographic
map of
Chitina
area
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History, Culture and Demographics
Athabascan Indians have reportedly occupied this region for the last 5,000 to 7,000 years. Archaeological sites are located to the south and east of Chitina. Chitina was historically a large Native village whose population was slowly decimated by the influx of people, disease and conflicts. Rich copper deposits were discovered at the turn of the century along the northern flanks of the Chitina River valley, bringing a rush of prospectors and homesteaders to the area. The Copper River & Northwestern Railway enabled Chitina to develop into a thriving community by 1914. It had a general store, clothing store, meat market, stables, a tinsmith, five hotels, rooming houses, a pool hall, bars, restaurants, dance halls and a movie theater. Almost all of Chitina was owned by Otto Adrian Nelson, a surveying engineer for the Kennecott Mines. He supplied electric power to all structures with a unique hydroelectric system. After the mines closed in 1938, support activities moved to the Glennallen area, and Chitina became a virtual ghost town with only the Natives and a few non-Natives staying on. In 1963, the Nelson estate was purchased by "Mudhole" Smith, a pioneer bush pilot, who sold off the townsite and buildings.
A federally recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Native Village of Chitina.
48.8% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native.
Students are home-schooled or attend school at Kenny Lake, 28 miles away. Most Athabascan residents are involved in subsistence activities year-round. During the summer, subsistence dipnetting for salmon on the Copper River brings a large number of Alaskans from Anchorage and other areas of the state. Gardening, berry picking, herb gathering and other "wildcrafting" are popular pursuits, as are various arts and crafts. Winter activities include trapping, snow machining, dog mushing, skiing and skijoring, ice fishing.
During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were
54 total housing units, and
2 were vacant.
39 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was
32.69%, although
62.5% of all adults were not in the work force.
The median household income was
$26,000, per capita income was $10,835, and
12.69% of residents were living below the poverty level.
Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
Residents haul water from a well at the Fire Hall or have individual wells. Some residents use stream water during the summer. Outhouses and individual septic systems provide sewage disposal. Less than 20% of homes are completely plumbed. Refuse collection services are available from Copper Basin Sanitation.
Electricity is provided by Chitina Electric Inc.
There are no state operated schools located in the community.
Local hospitals or health clinics include Chitina Clinic (907-823-2213); Copper Center Clinic (907-822-3541); Cross Road Medical Center in Glennallen (907-822-3203).
A televised examination system is installed, but not operational due to communication system in Chitina. Chitina is classified as an isolated village, it is found in EMS Region 2E in the Copper River Region. Emergency Services have river, highway and air access. Emergency service is provided by volunteers and a health aide.
Auxiliary health care is provided by Copper River EMS Council (907-822-3671), Copper Center Clinic or Cross Road Medical Center in Glennallen.
Economy and Transportation
Employment is primarily with the village council, village corporation, or the National Park Service. Many residents are self-employed or work in retail establishments. The summer influx of fishermen, tourists and campers provides some cash income in fish guiding and other services. Two residents hold commercial fishing permits. Many villagers participate in subsistence activities year-round.
The Edgerton Highway and Richardson Highway link Chitina with the rest of the state road system. The State owns the Chitina Airport, with a 2,850' long by 75' wide gravel airstrip, 5 miles north of town along the Edgerton Highway.
Organizations with Local Offices
Chamber of Commerce -
Chitina Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 54
Chitina, AK 99566
Phone 907-259-2239
E-mail info@chitinachamber.org
Web http://www.chitinachamber.org
Community Non-Profit -
Community Improvement Association of Chitina
P.O. Box 2
Chitina, AK 99566
Phone 907-823-2270
E-mail pamlaberry@cvinternet.net
Electric Utility -
Chitina Electric Inc.
P.O. Box 88
Chitina, AK 99566-0088
Phone 907-823-2220
Fax 907-823-2202
Village Corporation -
Chitina Native Corporation
P.O. Box 3
Chitina, AK 99566-0031
Phone 907-823-2223
Fax 907-823-2202
E-mail chitina_native@cvinternet.net
Village Council -
Native Village of Chitina
P.O. Box 31
Chitina, AK 99566-0031
Phone 907-823-2215
Fax 907-823-2233
E-mail chitina@aktribes.org
Regional Organizations
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