Haines, Alaska
Encyclopedia
Haines is a census-designated place
(CDP) in Haines Borough, Alaska
, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population of the area was 1,811. Haines was formerly a city but no longer has a municipal government. In October 2002, voters approved a measure consolidating the city of Haines and Haines Borough into a home rule
borough
.
(carry) their canoes from the trail
they used to trade with the interior, which began at the outlet of the Chilkat River
, to Dtehshuh and save 32 km (19.9 mi) of rowing around the Chilkat Peninsula
.
The first European, George Dickinson, an agent for the North West Trading Company, settled at Dtehshuh in 1880.
In 1881, the Chilkat asked Sheldon Jackson
to send missionaries to the area. Samuel Hall Young
, a Presbyterian minister, was sent. He built the Willard mission and school at Dtehshuh, on land given the church by the Chilkat. The mission was renamed Haines in 1884 in honor of Frances Electra Haines, the chairwoman of the committee that raised funds for its construction.
The boundary between Canada and the U.S. was then only vaguely defined (see Alaska boundary dispute
). There were overlapping land claims from the United States' purchase of Alaska from Russia
in 1867 and British claims along the coast. Canada had requested a survey after British Columbia
united with it in 1871, but the idea was rejected by the United States as being too costly given the area's remoteness, sparse settlement, and limited economic or strategic interest.
The Klondike Gold Rush
of 1898–1899 changed the region greatly. The population of the general area increased enormously and reached 30,000, composed largely of Americans. Haines grew as a supply center, since the Dalton Trail
from Chilkat Inlet
offered a route to the Yukon
for prospectors. Gold was also discovered 36 miles from Haines in 1899 at the Porcupine District. During this time the name Haines came into use for the area around the mission and not for just the mission itself.
The sudden importance of the region increased the urgency of fixing an exact boundary. There were reports that Canadian citizens were harassed by the U.S. as a deterrent to making any land claims. In 1898 the national governments agreed on a compromise, but the government of British Columbia rejected it. U.S. President McKinley proposed a permanent lease of a port near Haines, but Canada rejected that compromise.
The economy continued to grow and diversify. Four canneries were constructed around the mission by 1900. However, the completion of the White Pass and Yukon Route
railway in neighboring Skagway
that same year led to the Dalton Trail's eventual abandonment and Haines' economic decline.
In 1903, the Hay-Herbert Treaty
entrusted the border decision to arbitration by a mixed tribunal of six members, three American and three Canadian–British, who determined in favor of the United States, resulting in the present-day border.
Fort William H. Seward
, a United States Army
installation, was constructed south of Haines in 1904, on property donated by the mission from its holdings. In 1922, the fort was renamed Chilkoot Barracks. It was the only United States Army post in Alaska before World War II. During World War II, it was used as a supply point for some U. S. Army activities in Alaska. The fort was deactivated in 1946 and sold as surplus property to a group of investors (Ted Gregg, Carl Heinmiller, Marty Cordes, Clarence Mattson, and Steve Homer) who called it Port Chilkoot, thus forming the Port Chilkoot Company. In 1970, Port Chilkoot merged with Haines into one municipality. In 1972, the fort was designated a National Historic Landmark
and the name, Fort William H. Seward, was restored.
Haines was the southern terminal of the Haines-Fairbanks Pipeline (not connected or related to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System
), which provided refined petroleum products to Fort Greely, Eielson Air Force Base, and Ladd Air Force Base (transferred to the Army as Fort Wainwright in 1961). This 626-mile 8in (20cm) pipeline carried diesel, automotive gas, jet fuel and aviation gas from Haines to Fairbanks from 1955 until it was retired by the US Army in 1973, due to deterioration and prohibitive repair costs. A US Army facility with storage tanks existed alongside the Haines Terminal, which was maintained by the US Army for another decade. The construction and maintenance of the terminal and storage facility were a significant factor in the Haines economy for 4 decades.
The last of the four canneries closed in 1972 due to declining fish stocks, though commercial fishing (both trolling and gillnetting) remains an important part of the local economy. Logging and sawing timber has been an industry around Haines but has declined also in recent years. Tourism is now an important source of income in the community.
, the city has a total area of 21.5 square miles (55.7 km²), of which, 13.5 square miles (35 km²) of it is land and 8 square miles (20.7 km²) of it (37.26%) is water.
Although it is located in the Alaska Panhandle
, Haines is the northernmost occurrence of a humid continental climate
(Köppen
Dfb/Dsb) in the North American continent and is also noteworthy for its pronounced drying trend in late spring and early summer, which otherwise is seen adjacent to hyperhumid oceanic climate
s only around Lago General Carrera in South America. Haines has recorded the highest temperature in Alaska outside of the Interior
with 98 °F (36.7 °C) on 31 July, 1976.
, 0.17% Black
or African American
, 13.86% Native American
, 0.66% Asian
, 0.11% Pacific Islander
, 0.44% from other races
, and 5.14% from two or more races. 1.55% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 752 households out of which 33.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.8% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the city the age distribution of the population shows 26.7% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 28.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,926, and the median income for a family was $51,316. Males had a median income of $41,103 versus $30,278 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $22,505. About 5.8% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 2.4% of those age 65 or over.
s in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
between October and February. During this time, Haines has the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world.
The community and surrounding area is also extremely popular for outdoor recreation. Rafting in the Chilkat River
and hiking in the Takshanuk Mountains
(Mount Ripinski
and other peaks) are both popular. Growing winter recreational opportunities are available at and around Chilkat Pass
for which Haines serves as a gateway with the Haines Highway
. In recent years, Haines has received increasing attention as a site for heli-skiing. The Davidson Glacier
, due to its relatively accessible nature, is also a popular attraction.
Lutak Inlet and Chilkoot Lake
are easily accessible and popular fishing sites. Lutak Inlet is frequented by a large number of sea lion
s (sometimes numbering in the thousands during Fall salmon runs), seal
s, and orca
s.
Fort William H. Seward
is a nationally recognized historic site (declared National Historic Landmark
in 1978), where a number of barracks, officer housing, and parade grounds are maintained, in private ownership today. Some of these structures are open to the public as businesses and restaurants. The Fort is within Haines city limits, and is also referred to as Port Chilkoot, a leftover from the Port Chilkoot Company, which was formed after World War II by a group of investors who purchased the Fort from the Federal Government.
Haines also has a number of cultural offerings. Alaska Indian Arts offers demonstrations by traditional craftsmen. History of the town of Haines and the local Tlingit people are featured in the Sheldon Museum & Cultural Center. The Hammer Museum is dedicated to the history of the hammer in human society. The Tsirku Canning Company Museum offers a glimpse of Haines' historic salmon canneries.
Haines is the location for the Southeast Alaskan State Fair, held annually each July. Among other attractions, the fairgrounds incorporate a portion of the set from Walt Disney
's White Fang
film, filmed in Haines in 1990. The surviving set includes a dozen small structures common to a mining town of the period of Jack London
's book of the same name.
Many tourists also visit annually on cruise ship
s.
and also the Haines Borough School District
, which its grade school and high school
. Some students from Haines also choose to attend Klukwan High School in nearby Klukwan
, which is in the Chatham School District
.
, as well as the public radio station KHNS
which serves upper Lynn Canal
(Haines, Skagway
, and Klukwan
) although its primary studios are located in Haines. Haines also receives circulation of the free regional newspaper Capital City Weekly
.
http://www.tlinkimo.com/
William (Bill)A. Thomas, Jr current (2011) State Representative for District 05 http://house.legis.state.ak.us/
Olympic trials track and field runner, Carl Blackhurst (now a college coach)
Gil Smith, artist and painter.
Genny Szymanski, Olympic trials swimmer.
Heather Lende, writer.
Nathan Jackson, native carver and designated National Treasure
http://www.hickerphoto.com/nathan-jackson-native-artist-3702-pictures.htm
Wayne Price, native carver/artist
http://www.silvercloudart.com/bio
American Legion #12 Hall of Heroes
http://www.americanlegionpost12.com/hall-of-heroes.html
, which passes through British Columbia on its way to the junction with the Alaska Highway
at Haines Junction, Yukon
. However, snow and ice conditions in the winter and the long driving times can often make this route less feasible, and at times results in closure of the portion of the highway in the Chilkat Pass
, just past the US-Canadian border. Haines is one of only three cities in Southeast Alaska which is accessible by road to another city; Skagway is another; the third is Hyder, Alaska
.
The primary mode of inter-Alaskan transportation is by the Alaska Marine Highway
. The Lynn Canal
route of the ferry system (Juneau-Haines-Skagway
) is the only profitable route in the entire system and often receives a large amount of ferry traffic, especially in the summer.
The Haines Airport
also receives a large amount of traffic, with two bush carriers serving it with services to Gustavus
, Skagway and Juneau: Air Excursions and Wings of Alaska
.
Recently, Haines became a port-of-call to several cruise ship operators, including Princess Cruises and the Holland-America Line. As of Summer 2009, the cruise ship visiting frequency is about 18 per season, according to local residents. The cruise ship berth is very near Fort William H. Seward
.
Census-designated place
A census-designated place is a concentration of population identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes. CDPs are delineated for each decennial census as the statistical counterparts of incorporated places such as cities, towns and villages...
(CDP) in Haines Borough, Alaska
Haines Borough, Alaska
-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 2,392 people, 991 households, and 654 families residing in the borough. The population density was 0,88 people per square mile . There were 1,419 housing units at an average density of 0,52 per square mile...
, United States. As of the 2000 census, the population of the area was 1,811. Haines was formerly a city but no longer has a municipal government. In October 2002, voters approved a measure consolidating the city of Haines and Haines Borough into a home rule
Home rule
Home rule is the power of a constituent part of a state to exercise such of the state's powers of governance within its own administrative area that have been devolved to it by the central government....
borough
Borough
A borough is an administrative division in various countries. In principle, the term borough designates a self-governing township although, in practice, official use of the term varies widely....
.
History
The area around present-day Haines was called "Dtehshuh" or "end of the trail" by the Chilkat group of Tlingit. It received this name because they could portagePortage
Portage or portaging refers to the practice of carrying watercraft or cargo over land to avoid river obstacles, or between two bodies of water. A place where this carrying occurs is also called a portage; a person doing the carrying is called a porter.The English word portage is derived from the...
(carry) their canoes from the trail
Dalton Trail
The Dalton Trail is a trail that runs between Pyramid Harbor, west of Haines, Alaska in the United States, and Fort Selkirk, in the Yukon Territory of Canada, using the Chilkat Pass. It is 396 km long....
they used to trade with the interior, which began at the outlet of the Chilkat River
Chilkat River
The Chilkat River is a river in British Columbia and southeastern Alaska that flows southward from the Coast Range to the Chilkat Inlet and ultimately Lynn Canal. It is about long. It begins at Chilkat Glacier, in Alaska, flows west and south in British Columbia for , enters Alaska and continues...
, to Dtehshuh and save 32 km (19.9 mi) of rowing around the Chilkat Peninsula
Chilkat Peninsula
The Chilkat Peninsula is a peninsula in Lynn Canal, Southeast Alaska that divides the Chilkoot and Chilkat Inlets and divides the Chilkat and Chilkoot watersheds. The peninsula extends into Lynn Canal as well....
.
The first European, George Dickinson, an agent for the North West Trading Company, settled at Dtehshuh in 1880.
In 1881, the Chilkat asked Sheldon Jackson
Sheldon Jackson
Sheldon Jackson was a Presbyterian missionary who also became a political leader. During this career he travelled about 1 million miles and established over 100 missions and churches in the Western United States. He is best remembered for his extensive work during the final quarter of the 19th...
to send missionaries to the area. Samuel Hall Young
Samuel Hall Young
Samuel Hall Young was an American clergyman.-Biography:Born in Butler, Pennsylvania, he graduated from the University of Wooster in Ohio and the Western Theological Seminary in Allegheny, Pennsylvania and was ordained by the Presbyterian Church...
, a Presbyterian minister, was sent. He built the Willard mission and school at Dtehshuh, on land given the church by the Chilkat. The mission was renamed Haines in 1884 in honor of Frances Electra Haines, the chairwoman of the committee that raised funds for its construction.
The boundary between Canada and the U.S. was then only vaguely defined (see Alaska boundary dispute
Alaska Boundary Dispute
The Alaska boundary dispute was a territorial dispute between the United States and Canada . It was resolved by arbitration in 1903. The dispute had been going on between the Russian and British Empires since 1821, and was inherited by the United States as a consequence of the Alaska Purchase in...
). There were overlapping land claims from the United States' purchase of Alaska from Russia
Russian Empire
The Russian Empire was a state that existed from 1721 until the Russian Revolution of 1917. It was the successor to the Tsardom of Russia and the predecessor of the Soviet Union...
in 1867 and British claims along the coast. Canada had requested a survey after British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
united with it in 1871, but the idea was rejected by the United States as being too costly given the area's remoteness, sparse settlement, and limited economic or strategic interest.
The Klondike Gold Rush
Klondike Gold Rush
The Klondike Gold Rush, also called the Yukon Gold Rush, the Alaska Gold Rush and the Last Great Gold Rush, was an attempt by an estimated 100,000 people to travel to the Klondike region the Yukon in north-western Canada between 1897 and 1899 in the hope of successfully prospecting for gold...
of 1898–1899 changed the region greatly. The population of the general area increased enormously and reached 30,000, composed largely of Americans. Haines grew as a supply center, since the Dalton Trail
Dalton Trail
The Dalton Trail is a trail that runs between Pyramid Harbor, west of Haines, Alaska in the United States, and Fort Selkirk, in the Yukon Territory of Canada, using the Chilkat Pass. It is 396 km long....
from Chilkat Inlet
Chilkat Inlet
Chilkat Inlet is an inlet in Lynn Canal in the Southeast region of the U.S. state of Alaska that includes the delta for the Chilkat River and borders Haines and the Chilkat Peninsula....
offered a route to the Yukon
Yukon
Yukon is the westernmost and smallest of Canada's three federal territories. It was named after the Yukon River. The word Yukon means "Great River" in Gwich’in....
for prospectors. Gold was also discovered 36 miles from Haines in 1899 at the Porcupine District. During this time the name Haines came into use for the area around the mission and not for just the mission itself.
The sudden importance of the region increased the urgency of fixing an exact boundary. There were reports that Canadian citizens were harassed by the U.S. as a deterrent to making any land claims. In 1898 the national governments agreed on a compromise, but the government of British Columbia rejected it. U.S. President McKinley proposed a permanent lease of a port near Haines, but Canada rejected that compromise.
The economy continued to grow and diversify. Four canneries were constructed around the mission by 1900. However, the completion of the White Pass and Yukon Route
White Pass and Yukon Route
The White Pass and Yukon Route is a Canadian and U.S. Class II narrow gauge railroad linking the port of Skagway, Alaska, with Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon. An isolated system, it has no direct connection to any other railroad. Equipment, freight and passengers are ferried by ship through the...
railway in neighboring Skagway
Skagway, Alaska
Skagway is a first-class borough in Alaska, on the Alaska Panhandle. It was formerly a city first incorporated in 1900 that was re-incorporated as a borough on June 25, 2007. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city was 862...
that same year led to the Dalton Trail's eventual abandonment and Haines' economic decline.
In 1903, the Hay-Herbert Treaty
Hay-Herbert Treaty
The Alaska boundary treaty, also known as the Hay–Herbert treaty, signed in 1903, is a treaty between Great Britain and United States that resolved a dispute on the location of the border between Alaska and Canada....
entrusted the border decision to arbitration by a mixed tribunal of six members, three American and three Canadian–British, who determined in favor of the United States, resulting in the present-day border.
Fort William H. Seward
Fort William H. Seward
Fort William H. Seward, also known as Chilkoot Barracks or as AHRS Site No. SKG-001 is a site at Port Chilkoot in Haines, Alaska. It was the last of a series of 11 military posts established in Alaska during the gold rush era....
, a United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
installation, was constructed south of Haines in 1904, on property donated by the mission from its holdings. In 1922, the fort was renamed Chilkoot Barracks. It was the only United States Army post in Alaska before World War II. During World War II, it was used as a supply point for some U. S. Army activities in Alaska. The fort was deactivated in 1946 and sold as surplus property to a group of investors (Ted Gregg, Carl Heinmiller, Marty Cordes, Clarence Mattson, and Steve Homer) who called it Port Chilkoot, thus forming the Port Chilkoot Company. In 1970, Port Chilkoot merged with Haines into one municipality. In 1972, the fort was designated a National Historic Landmark
National Historic Landmark
A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
and the name, Fort William H. Seward, was restored.
Haines was the southern terminal of the Haines-Fairbanks Pipeline (not connected or related to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System
Trans-Alaska Pipeline System
The Trans Alaska Pipeline System , includes the Trans Alaska Pipeline, 11 pump stations, several hundred miles of feeder pipelines, and the Valdez Marine Terminal. TAPS is one of the world's largest pipeline systems...
), which provided refined petroleum products to Fort Greely, Eielson Air Force Base, and Ladd Air Force Base (transferred to the Army as Fort Wainwright in 1961). This 626-mile 8in (20cm) pipeline carried diesel, automotive gas, jet fuel and aviation gas from Haines to Fairbanks from 1955 until it was retired by the US Army in 1973, due to deterioration and prohibitive repair costs. A US Army facility with storage tanks existed alongside the Haines Terminal, which was maintained by the US Army for another decade. The construction and maintenance of the terminal and storage facility were a significant factor in the Haines economy for 4 decades.
The last of the four canneries closed in 1972 due to declining fish stocks, though commercial fishing (both trolling and gillnetting) remains an important part of the local economy. Logging and sawing timber has been an industry around Haines but has declined also in recent years. Tourism is now an important source of income in the community.
Geography and climate
Haines is located at 59.233800°N 135.447009°W. According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 21.5 square miles (55.7 km²), of which, 13.5 square miles (35 km²) of it is land and 8 square miles (20.7 km²) of it (37.26%) is water.
Although it is located in the Alaska Panhandle
Alaska Panhandle
Southeast Alaska, sometimes referred to as the Alaska Panhandle, is the southeastern portion of the U.S. state of Alaska, which lies west of the northern half of the Canadian province of British Columbia. The majority of Southeast Alaska's area is part of the Tongass National Forest, the United...
, Haines is the northernmost occurrence of a humid continental climate
Humid continental climate
A humid continental climate is a climatic region typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot summers and cold winters....
(Köppen
Köppen climate classification
The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems. It was first published by Crimea German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in 1884, with several later modifications by Köppen himself, notably in 1918 and 1936...
Dfb/Dsb) in the North American continent and is also noteworthy for its pronounced drying trend in late spring and early summer, which otherwise is seen adjacent to hyperhumid oceanic climate
Oceanic climate
An oceanic climate, also called marine west coast climate, maritime climate, Cascadian climate and British climate for Köppen climate classification Cfb and subtropical highland for Köppen Cfb or Cwb, is a type of climate typically found along the west coasts at the middle latitudes of some of the...
s only around Lago General Carrera in South America. Haines has recorded the highest temperature in Alaska outside of the Interior
Alaska Interior
The Alaska Interior covers most of the U.S. state's territory. It is largely wilderness. Mountains include Mount McKinley in the Alaska Range, the Wrangell Mountains, and the Ray Mountains....
with 98 °F (36.7 °C) on 31 July, 1976.
2000 Census data
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,811 people, 752 households, and 505 families residing in the city. The population density was 134.0 people per square mile (51.7/km²). There were 895 housing units at an average density of 66.2 per square mile (25.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 79.62% WhiteRace (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.17% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 13.86% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.66% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.11% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.44% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 5.14% from two or more races. 1.55% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 752 households out of which 33.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.9% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.8% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the city the age distribution of the population shows 26.7% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 28.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $39,926, and the median income for a family was $51,316. Males had a median income of $41,103 versus $30,278 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $22,505. About 5.8% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 2.4% of those age 65 or over.
Attractions
Many tourists visit during the annual appearance of bald eagleBald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey found in North America. It is the national bird and symbol of the United States of America. This sea eagle has two known sub-species and forms a species pair with the White-tailed Eagle...
s in the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is a state park and wildlife refuge in the U.S. state of Alaska near Haines. Established in 1982, the park covers 49,320 acres , mainly along the Chilkat River, with sections along the Klehini and Tsirku rivers.The preserve is home to the world's largest...
between October and February. During this time, Haines has the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world.
The community and surrounding area is also extremely popular for outdoor recreation. Rafting in the Chilkat River
Chilkat River
The Chilkat River is a river in British Columbia and southeastern Alaska that flows southward from the Coast Range to the Chilkat Inlet and ultimately Lynn Canal. It is about long. It begins at Chilkat Glacier, in Alaska, flows west and south in British Columbia for , enters Alaska and continues...
and hiking in the Takshanuk Mountains
Takshanuk Mountains
The Takshanuk Mountains are a mountain range in Southeast Alaska, United States that separate the Chilkoot and Chilkat watersheds and also form the northern portion of the Chilkat Peninsula....
(Mount Ripinski
Mount Ripinski
Mount Ripinski is a mountain located immediately to the north of Haines, Alaska at the southern terminus in the Takshanuk Mountains.Mount Ripinski is a popular day hike for local residents of Haines and features two distinct trails that converge on the south side of the summit...
and other peaks) are both popular. Growing winter recreational opportunities are available at and around Chilkat Pass
Chilkat Pass
The Chilkat Pass is a mountain pass on the border of Alaska, United States, and the province of British Columbia, Canada, at the divide between the Klehini and Kelsall Rivers just northwest of Haines, Alaska. It is used by the Haines Highway and was the route used by the Dalton Trail during the...
for which Haines serves as a gateway with the Haines Highway
Haines Highway
The Haines Highway or Haines Cut-Off is a highway that connects Haines, Alaska, in the United States, with Haines Junction, Yukon, Canada, passing through the province of British Columbia. It follows the route of the old Dalton Trail from the port of Haines inland for about to Klukshu, Yukon, and...
. In recent years, Haines has received increasing attention as a site for heli-skiing. The Davidson Glacier
Davidson Glacier
The Davidson Glacier is a large valley glacier near Haines, Alaska that finds its source in the Chilkat Range.-History:The Davidson Glacier was originally discovered by 1867 and was recounted by John Muir in his famous travels in and around Glacier Bay in 1879. The glacier was, at that time, a...
, due to its relatively accessible nature, is also a popular attraction.
Lutak Inlet and Chilkoot Lake
Chilkoot Lake
The Chilkoot Lake, in the Tlingit Indians region of Alaska, is also spelt Chilcoot Lake. Its other local names are the Akha Lake and Tschilkut S, meaning “Chilkoot Lake”. It is in Haines Borough, Alaska, USA. Chilkoot also means "big fish". The lake has a ‘Recreation Site’ at its southern end near...
are easily accessible and popular fishing sites. Lutak Inlet is frequented by a large number of sea lion
Sea Lion
Sea lions are pinnipeds characterized by external ear-flaps, long fore-flippers, the ability to walk on all fours, and short thick hair. Together with the fur seal, they comprise the family Otariidae, or eared seals. There are six extant and one extinct species in five genera...
s (sometimes numbering in the thousands during Fall salmon runs), seal
Pinniped
Pinnipeds or fin-footed mammals are a widely distributed and diverse group of semiaquatic marine mammals comprising the families Odobenidae , Otariidae , and Phocidae .-Overview: Pinnipeds are typically sleek-bodied and barrel-shaped...
s, and orca
Orca
The killer whale , commonly referred to as the orca, and less commonly as the blackfish, is a toothed whale belonging to the oceanic dolphin family. Killer whales are found in all oceans, from the frigid Arctic and Antarctic regions to tropical seas...
s.
Fort William H. Seward
Fort William H. Seward
Fort William H. Seward, also known as Chilkoot Barracks or as AHRS Site No. SKG-001 is a site at Port Chilkoot in Haines, Alaska. It was the last of a series of 11 military posts established in Alaska during the gold rush era....
is a nationally recognized historic site (declared National Historic Landmark
National Historic Landmark
A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...
in 1978), where a number of barracks, officer housing, and parade grounds are maintained, in private ownership today. Some of these structures are open to the public as businesses and restaurants. The Fort is within Haines city limits, and is also referred to as Port Chilkoot, a leftover from the Port Chilkoot Company, which was formed after World War II by a group of investors who purchased the Fort from the Federal Government.
Haines also has a number of cultural offerings. Alaska Indian Arts offers demonstrations by traditional craftsmen. History of the town of Haines and the local Tlingit people are featured in the Sheldon Museum & Cultural Center. The Hammer Museum is dedicated to the history of the hammer in human society. The Tsirku Canning Company Museum offers a glimpse of Haines' historic salmon canneries.
Haines is the location for the Southeast Alaskan State Fair, held annually each July. Among other attractions, the fairgrounds incorporate a portion of the set from Walt Disney
Walt Disney
Walter Elias "Walt" Disney was an American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon, and philanthropist, well-known for his influence in the field of entertainment during the 20th century. Along with his brother Roy O...
's White Fang
White Fang (1991 film)
White Fang is a 1991 American adventure film directed by Randal Kleiser, starring Ethan Hawke, Klaus Maria Brandauer and Seymour Cassel. Based on the novel White Fang by Jack London, it tells the story of the friendship between a Yukon gold hunter and a wolfdog.White Fang is portrayed by a wolfdog,...
film, filmed in Haines in 1990. The surviving set includes a dozen small structures common to a mining town of the period of Jack London
Jack London
John Griffith "Jack" London was an American author, journalist, and social activist. He was a pioneer in the then-burgeoning world of commercial magazine fiction and was one of the first fiction writers to obtain worldwide celebrity and a large fortune from his fiction alone...
's book of the same name.
Many tourists also visit annually on cruise ship
Cruise ship
A cruise ship or cruise liner is a passenger ship used for pleasure voyages, where the voyage itself and the ship's amenities are part of the experience, as well as the different destinations along the way...
s.
Education
Haines is home to the Haines Borough Public LibraryHaines Borough Public Library
The Haines Borough Public Library is the only public library in the Haines Borough area of Alaska.-History:The library was first incorporated by the Haines Women's Club as the Haines Library Association in 1931. The library was moved into new quarters in 1959 and saw additions in 1979 and 1987...
and also the Haines Borough School District
Haines Borough School District
The Haines Borough School District is the school district administrating education in both the city of Haines, Alaska, but the Haines Borough as well.-Schools:* Haines High School* Haines Junior/Elementary School* Mosquito Lake Elementary School...
, which its grade school and high school
Haines High School
Haines High School is the primary high school for the town of Haines, Alaska and the Haines Borough School District.-Extracurriculars:Haines has produced state championship drama, debate, and forensics teams over the years, most recent awards include 1st overall in drama for small schools, and...
. Some students from Haines also choose to attend Klukwan High School in nearby Klukwan
Klukwan, Alaska
Klukwan is a census-designated place in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 139.-History:...
, which is in the Chatham School District
Chatham School District
The Chatham School District serves students in Angoon, Tenakee Springs, Gustavus, and Klukwan and the surrounding areas of the Alaskan panhandle. The district serves about 217 students in 4 schools and covers a territory of approximately 43,000 sq...
.
Media
Haines is served a weekly newspaper, the Chilkat Valley NewsChilkat Valley News
The Chilkat Valley News is a weekly newspaper serving the Chilkat Valley/Haines Borough area of Southeast Alaska. The paper principally serves the communities of Haines, where it is published, and Klukwan, a Tlingit Indian village 23 miles west of Haines....
, as well as the public radio station KHNS
KHNS
KHNS is a FM-broadcasting public radio station with principal studios and offices in Haines, Alaska, secondary studios in Skagway, and a broadcast throughout the Haines Borough, Klukwan, and the Skagway area .-Programming:...
which serves upper Lynn Canal
Lynn Canal
Lynn Canal is an inlet into the mainland of southeast Alaska.Lynn Canal runs about from the inlets of the Chilkat River south to Chatham Strait and Stephens Passage...
(Haines, Skagway
Skagway, Alaska
Skagway is a first-class borough in Alaska, on the Alaska Panhandle. It was formerly a city first incorporated in 1900 that was re-incorporated as a borough on June 25, 2007. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city was 862...
, and Klukwan
Klukwan, Alaska
Klukwan is a census-designated place in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 139.-History:...
) although its primary studios are located in Haines. Haines also receives circulation of the free regional newspaper Capital City Weekly
Capital City Weekly
The Capital City Weekly, or CapWeekly as it is informally known, is a free regional weekly newspaper It is the largest distributed community paper in Southeast Alaska. -External links:* *...
.
Notable residents
Tlingit Storyteller and speaker, Walter Porterhttp://www.tlinkimo.com/
William (Bill)A. Thomas, Jr current (2011) State Representative for District 05 http://house.legis.state.ak.us/
Olympic trials track and field runner, Carl Blackhurst (now a college coach)
Gil Smith, artist and painter.
Genny Szymanski, Olympic trials swimmer.
Heather Lende, writer.
Nathan Jackson, native carver and designated National Treasure
http://www.hickerphoto.com/nathan-jackson-native-artist-3702-pictures.htm
Wayne Price, native carver/artist
http://www.silvercloudart.com/bio
American Legion #12 Hall of Heroes
http://www.americanlegionpost12.com/hall-of-heroes.html
Transportation
Haines is much more accessible than most other southeast Alaskan communities of its size, as it is connected to the North American highway system by the Haines HighwayHaines Highway
The Haines Highway or Haines Cut-Off is a highway that connects Haines, Alaska, in the United States, with Haines Junction, Yukon, Canada, passing through the province of British Columbia. It follows the route of the old Dalton Trail from the port of Haines inland for about to Klukshu, Yukon, and...
, which passes through British Columbia on its way to the junction with the Alaska Highway
Alaska Highway
The Alaska Highway was constructed during World War II for the purpose of connecting the contiguous U.S. to Alaska through Canada. It begins at the junction with several Canadian highways in Dawson Creek, British Columbia and runs to Delta Junction, Alaska, via Whitehorse, Yukon...
at Haines Junction, Yukon
Haines Junction, Yukon
Haines Junction is a village in the Yukon, Canada. It is located at Kilometre 1,632 of the Alaska Highway at its junction with the Haines Highway, hence the name of the community. According to the 2006 Census the population was 589. It is next to Kluane National Park and Reserve...
. However, snow and ice conditions in the winter and the long driving times can often make this route less feasible, and at times results in closure of the portion of the highway in the Chilkat Pass
Chilkat Pass
The Chilkat Pass is a mountain pass on the border of Alaska, United States, and the province of British Columbia, Canada, at the divide between the Klehini and Kelsall Rivers just northwest of Haines, Alaska. It is used by the Haines Highway and was the route used by the Dalton Trail during the...
, just past the US-Canadian border. Haines is one of only three cities in Southeast Alaska which is accessible by road to another city; Skagway is another; the third is Hyder, Alaska
Hyder, Alaska
Hyder is a census-designated place in Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 97. Hyder has achieved fame as a point in Alaska accessible to automobile and motorbike travelers in Canada who want to say that they have been to Alaska...
.
The primary mode of inter-Alaskan transportation is by the Alaska Marine Highway
Alaska Marine Highway
The Alaska Marine Highway or the Alaska Marine Highway System is a ferry service operated by the government of the U.S. state of Alaska. It has its headquarters in Ketchikan, Alaska....
. The Lynn Canal
Lynn Canal
Lynn Canal is an inlet into the mainland of southeast Alaska.Lynn Canal runs about from the inlets of the Chilkat River south to Chatham Strait and Stephens Passage...
route of the ferry system (Juneau-Haines-Skagway
Skagway, Alaska
Skagway is a first-class borough in Alaska, on the Alaska Panhandle. It was formerly a city first incorporated in 1900 that was re-incorporated as a borough on June 25, 2007. As of the 2000 census, the population of the city was 862...
) is the only profitable route in the entire system and often receives a large amount of ferry traffic, especially in the summer.
The Haines Airport
Haines Airport
- External links :* * from USGS The National Map...
also receives a large amount of traffic, with two bush carriers serving it with services to Gustavus
Gustavus, Alaska
Gustavus is a city in Hoonah-Angoon Census Area in the U.S. state of Alaska. At the 2000 census the population was 429.-Geography:Gustavus is located at ....
, Skagway and Juneau: Air Excursions and Wings of Alaska
Wings of Alaska
Wings of Alaska is an American scheduled and charter airline company based in Juneau in the U.S. state of Alaska. It is a d/b/a of SeaPort Airlines Inc. Wings of Alaska is one of 7 airlines in Alaska with the Medallion Foundation Shield, which has strict safety & operational guidelines that exceed...
.
Recently, Haines became a port-of-call to several cruise ship operators, including Princess Cruises and the Holland-America Line. As of Summer 2009, the cruise ship visiting frequency is about 18 per season, according to local residents. The cruise ship berth is very near Fort William H. Seward
Fort William H. Seward
Fort William H. Seward, also known as Chilkoot Barracks or as AHRS Site No. SKG-001 is a site at Port Chilkoot in Haines, Alaska. It was the last of a series of 11 military posts established in Alaska during the gold rush era....
.