Skagway Borough, located in Southeast Alaska, is an area of unparalleled beauty and diversity. The borough is situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Alaska, making it an ideal location for both nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With a population of just over 1,000 people, Skagway Borough is a small but vibrant community with an abundance of activities to explore. See top counties in Alaska.
The borough’s largest town is Skagway, which houses the majority of its population and serves as its commercial hub. This quaint town offers an incredible variety of shopping opportunities as well as restaurants, galleries, museums and other attractions that make it a great destination for visitors looking to get away from it all.
The borough’s landscape consists mainly of mountains, glaciers, rivers and lakes. There are also numerous trails that provide hikers with plenty of opportunities to explore the area’s natural beauty. For those who prefer something more active than hiking or sightseeing there are plenty of activities available such as kayaking or fishing in one of the many nearby rivers or lakes.
In terms of education levels within Skagway Borough there are two public schools available to students ranging from elementary to high school level as well as two private schools that offer religious-based education for those families wishing to have their children receive religious instruction along with their academic curriculum while attending school here in Skagway Borough. College-level opportunities include The University Of Alaska Southeast located right here in Juneau offering undergraduate programs through post-graduate degrees.
The median income for a family in Skagway Borough is $49,822 which has remained relatively stable over the years despite economic downturns throughout the state due to job loss from industries moving out of Alaska due to rising costs associated with doing business in the state. Meanwhile, 17 percent live below poverty line making it one of the better off counties in Alaska despite its small size.
Skagway Borough is truly a unique place full of natural wonders and adventure waiting around every corner. With its breathtaking scenery and a vast array of activities available, there really isn’t any better place to call home.
History of Skagway Borough, Alaska
Skagway Borough, Alaska is one of the most unique places in the United States. Located in southeast Alaska, it has a rich history that goes back to before the turn of the century. The area was first inhabited by the Tlingit people and was home to many of their villages. In 1896, gold was discovered in nearby Klondike and a stampede of prospectors followed, with Skagway becoming their gateway to the riches beyond.
During this period, Skagway boomed as a center of commerce and transportation for prospectors headed to the Yukon. It had a population of more than 10,000 people at its height and even had its own newspaper – The Skaguay News – which documented life during this time.
In 1898, Congress created Skagway Borough as part of Alaska’s government structure and it was officially incorporated in 1903. At this time, it became home to many businesses such as banks, stores and saloons that catered to both locals and visitors alike. It also had its own police force with officers appointed by the mayor at the time – Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith – who is known for his criminal activities during this period.
In 1901, the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad began construction and completed it two years later in 1903 connecting Skagway with Whitehorse in Canada’s Yukon Territory. This allowed for an easier way for travelers to get into Canada from Skagway as well as providing goods from Canada into Alaska. The railroad is still operational today offering scenic rides through some of Alaska’s most beautiful landscapes.
The borough continued to grow throughout much of the 20th century thanks largely to tourism which remains one of its main industries today along with fisheries and timber harvesting operations in nearby areas such as Haines Borough just across Lynn Canal from Skagway Borough proper.
Today, Skagway Borough remains one of Southeast Alaska’s most popular tourist destinations due largely to its unique history and abundant natural beauty that includes majestic mountains, glaciers, rivers and lakes that make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure.
Major cities and towns in Skagway Borough, Alaska
Skagway Borough, located in Southeast Alaska, is a popular tourist destination due to its unique history and abundance of natural beauty. The borough is home to several major cities and towns including Skagway, Haines, and Dyea.
Skagway is the largest city in the borough and was once a bustling center of commerce during the Klondike Gold Rush. It is home to many historical buildings dating back to that time period such as Jefferson Randolph “Soapy” Smith’s saloon, which has been restored as a museum today. Other attractions include the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad which offers scenic rides through some of Alaska’s most beautiful landscapes, as well as the Chilkoot Trail National Historic Site.
Haines Borough is located just across Lynn Canal from Skagway proper and is home to the town of Haines. This small town has a population of just over 2,000 people and offers visitors an array of activities such as fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking and more. It also has its own airport for travelers who wish to fly into or out of Haines.
Dyea is located about 10 miles west of Skagway near the mouth of Taiya Inlet. During the Klondike Gold Rush era it was an important port for prospectors headed to Canada via Chilkoot Trail but today it remains mostly deserted with only a few residents living there year-round. However, it still serves as an interesting stopover for those traveling through Southeast Alaska by road or boat due to its historic buildings and picturesque views.
The other cities and towns in Skagway Borough are Gustavus, Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Juneau City & Borough, Kake City & Borough, Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Petersburg City & Borough, Prince Wales-Hyder Census Area (PW-HCA), Sitka City & Borough (SCB), Wrangell City & Borough (WC&B), Yakutat City & Borough (YC&B). Each offers their own unique attractions such as museums or outdoor activities like fishing or hiking trails that make them worth visiting while exploring Southeast Alaska.
Population in Skagway Borough, Alaska
According to Iamaccepted, Skagway Borough, Alaska is a unique tourist destination due to its rich history and abundance of natural beauty. It is home to several major cities and towns including Skagway, Haines, and Dyea, as well as numerous smaller communities. According to the United States Census Bureau in 2010, the population of Skagway Borough was 1,054 people. This population consists mainly of Caucasians (83.8%), Native Americans (14.2%), Asians (1.6%) and other ethnicities making up the remaining 0.4%.
Skagway is the largest city in the borough with a population of 1,023 according to the US Census Bureau’s 2010 estimates. The majority of Skagway’s residents identify as Caucasian (85%), followed by Native American (9%), Asian (1%) and other ethnicities making up the remaining 5%. The median age for Skagway’s residents is 44 years old with a median household income of $62,500 per year in 2017 according to data from the Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development.
Haines Borough has a population of just over 2,000 people according to US Census Bureau estimates from 2010. The majority of Haines’ residents are Caucasian (91%), followed by Native American (7%), Asian (1%) and other ethnicities making up the remaining 1%. The median age for Haines’ residents is 38 years old with a median household income of $53,194 per year in 2017 according to data from the Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development.
Dyea has a small population with only 21 people living there year-round according to US Census Bureau estimates from 2010. Of this small population 77% are Caucasian while 23% are Native American or Alaskan natives with no other ethnicities reported making up any significant portion of Dyea’s overall population. The median age for Dyea’s residents is 30 years old with no reliable data on median household income available at this time due to such a small sample size for survey purposes.
The other cities and towns within Skagway Borough have similarly diverse populations made up mainly of Caucasians followed by Native Americans or Alaskan Natives along with some Asians or other ethnicities making up smaller portions in each community’s overall demographic makeup when compared to that found in larger cities like Skagway or Haines.