City of Whittier

Whittier has a population of 172 and is located at the head of Passage Canal on the west side of Prince William Sound. It is nestled among breathtaking mountains, glaciers, and cascading waterfalls.

Whittier is a gateway community with an ice-free port. It was once the quickest route from Prince William Sound to Cook Inlet. The mountain pass between Whittier and Cook Inlet was a route used by Native Alaskans, and later by fur traders and prospectors.

During World War II, the Army blasted a tunnel through the mountains to construct a port and railroad terminus for the transport of fuel and other supplies into Alaska. Two tunnels and the 13 mile spur line were completed in 1943.

Two large buildings stand tall in Whittier, the Begich Tower and Buckner Building. These were constructed for Army bachelor quarters and family housing in 1948 and 1953. At the time of their construction, they were the largest buildings in the state. The Begich Tower currently houses most of the residents of Whittier. The Buckner Building, damaged in the 1964 earthquake, is now vacant. It once held 1,000 apartments, a hospital, a bowling alley, theater, gym, swimming pool, bank, post office, rifle range, and shops for Army personnel.

Until recently, Whittier was only accessible by train, air, or boat. In 2000, a road connection that runs through the train tunnel was completed. The Alaska State Ferry system and commercial cruise ships make scheduled stops at Whittier.

Nearly 150,000 people pass through Whittier each year, and it is still a major hub for freight transport. About 275,000 tons of supplies are delivered to Whittier and then transported by train to Anchorage each year.

Whittier's location on Prince William Sound attracts visitors for sports and commercial fishing, subsistence activities, boating, and kayaking.

Fish harvested in this area include cod, halibut, rockfish, and salmon. Crab and shrimp are also available. Area game hunting includes deer, caribou, moose, and bear. Whittier is also a good bird watching destination.

Marilynn Heddell represents this member entity on the PWSRCAC Board of Directors.

For more information, please visit City of Whittier.
Phone: 907.472.2337
Fax: 907.472.2404