King Island is an unpopulated community or a seasonal-use area.
Consequently, there is no "complete" Community Profile.
The information below provides a brief overview of the community.
Community Overview
| King Island is located 40 miles west of Cape Douglas in the Bering Sea, south of Wales. The Island is primarily precipitous rock, 700 feet high and approximately one mile long. It has a maritime climate when the strait is ice-free, usually June to November. After the freeze, there is an abrupt change to a cold continental climate. Average summer temperatures range from 40 to 50; winter temperatures range from -10 to 6. Annual precipitation is 10 inches, including 35 inches of snow. |
Topographic
map of
King Island
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King Island was historically occupied by Eskimos who called themselves "Uguivangmuit." The Island was named by Captain Cook in 1778 for Lt. James King, a member of his party. In 1900, the Eskimo name was reported to be "Ukivok." The village was occupied during the winter by approximately 200 Eskimos, who achieved fame as hunters and ivory carvers, and who lived in walrus-skin dwellings lashed to the face of the cliff. The Islanders subsisted on walrus, seal, birds, berries and green plants. Every summer the entire population would travel to the mainland by kayak and umiak, and remained for a few months. Once Nome was founded, they customarily camped near town each summer to sell their intricate ivory carvings. In 1937, Lt. Commander R.C. Sarratt reported that the village was comprised of 190 residents, 45 houses, a Catholic Church, and a school with electric lights, heat, and running water. That year, 200 walrus and 2,000 seal were harvested by villagers. During this time, the Navy Cutter Northland was transporting Islanders to Nome for their annual summer trek. Beginning in the 1950s, fewer and fewer residents returned to the Island each September. In 1960, 49 residents were enumerated by the U.S. Census. By 1970, no villagers continued to live on the Island. Today, the King Islanders are year-round residents of Nome. King Islanders are Inupiat Eskimos that migrated to Nome.
The village corporation has approximately 200 shareholders, and owns several businesses in Nome. Their exceptional ivory carvings and crafts are sold to tourists in Nome and Anchorage. The Island is accessible by boat or float plane.
Contact Information
Regional Organizations
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