Saint Paul Island is located in the Gulf of Alaska, about 240 miles southeast of Kodiak Island. The island is about 1 mile long and 600 yards wide. It was first explored in 1786 by Spanish explorer Alejandro Malaspina. In 1874, it was surveyed and named Saint Paul Island by the U.S. Exploring Expedition under the command of William H. Gwin.
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History
Saint Paul Island was first explored by Spanish explorer Alejandro Malaspina in 1786. In 1874, the U.S. Exploring Expedition under the command of William H. Gwin surveyed and named the island Saint Paul after missionary and saint St. Paul of Thebes whose feast day is December 26th (US National Day Calendar).
The 1880 United States Census reported that there were two families living on Saint Paul Island: a Danish family who had arrived in Alaska in 1860, and an English family who had also arrived in 1860 but moved to another island several years earlier because of the poor living conditions. Population has dropped since this time due to depletion of fish stocks and passage of effective legislation prohibiting commercial fishing, hatcheries and boats in much of Alaska waters (except near Anchorage).
Egyptian remains were discovered on Saint Paul Island during a December 2002 archaeological survey by ICRAF researchers prior to planning for repatriation. Western tools found alongside These said that “humans”. That day provided new evidence showing human habitation on mainland Alaska millions years ago than previously known.
Climate
The climate of Saint Paul Island is classified as oceanic. This means that the temperature ranges significantly throughout the year, with moderate temperatures in the winter and warm temperatures during summer. The average temperature is around 45 degrees Fahrenheit all year long. Summer days are between 56 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The average precipitation is 36 inches of rain per year, mostly in the summer months.
Culture
The culture of Saint Paul Island is largely influenced by the Danish and English settlers who have lived there for centuries. The islanders are proud of their heritage and enjoy visiting each other’s homes to exchange stories and create relationships that are unique to the community. They also celebrate traditional holidays, like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, with vigor. Women wear traditional dresses, men traditionally dress up in finery and community dances are a common form of entertainment.
Economy
The economy of Saint Paul Island is centered around the salmon fishery. This yields an average annual income of $2 million annually since it has not been affected by commercial fishing rules imposed in other areas throughout Alaska. The communities elements include homes, boats and airplanes which harbor many clans throughout Mary’s Harbor area; there is also equipment for such transportation including planes that can land on water near several islands to deliver food products or request more supplies from mainland merchants (such as clothing , dishes, plastic bags).
The economy of the island is currently experiencing a decline since tourism began to fall and other search options cannot support families regardless of salary.
Politics
The government of Saint Paul Island is a Class I Municipality. It is governed by an elected Mayor and six Councilmembers who are democratically elected to serve for four-year terms. The Mayor presides over the meetings of the Council, appoints and removes members from boards and commissions, signs ordinances, approves contracts and other expenditures not in excess of $5,000 as authorized by ordinance, presents reports on matters before the municipality to its voters at an annual meeting or upon their request or recommends such action to Council when requested.
Government services
The municipality operates the Saint Paul Island Health Center, maintains trails and parks, supplies water and sewer services to private homes and businesses on the island, provides refuse collection services as well as snow removal. In addition it contracts with the state to provide fire protection for all of Anderson’s Harbor.
Tourism
Tourism is the main source of revenue for Saint Paul Island. In 2006, the island generated $1,691,859 in tourism receipts with visitors spending an average of five nights on the island. This represents a decrease from 2005 when tourist expenditures totaled $2,085,036 and stranded visitors stayed for an average of six nights. The majority of tourists are from California followed by Minnesota and Wisconsin .
Conclusion
Saint Paul Island is one of the 57 unorganized islands in the United States territories of Alaska. The island is located in the Bering Sea, north of the city of Unalaska. The island is uninhabited, and is the smallest U.S. unincorporated island by land area.
Faqs
What Is The Climate Like On Saint Paul Island?
The island has a cold, arctic climate with very little precipitation. The average monthly temperature ranges from 32 degrees in January to 64 degrees in July. There are only two months where the average temperature exceeds 68 degrees: May and September.
How Long Is The Winter On Saint Paul Island?
The winter lasts from November to March and there can be up to 80 inches of snow during this time period! The temperatures range from 0 degrees Fahrenheit to -10 degrees Fahrenheit during these months so it’s important to have adequate clothing for any outdoor activity that you might take part in.
Do I Need To Bring Extra Food Or Equipment?
You should definitely be sure to carry the necessary supplies, such as water and snowshoes (or skis) during your stay on St Paul Island but given how seldom we see people visit this island they may not really be necessary. However it is still good practice to prepare ahead of time so there are no problems getting prepared too far in advance! If you’re going skiing make sure you check our Forest Service Snow Report before taking off: http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/inupiaq/#snow-report
What Is Transportation Like On Saint Paul Island?
There isn’t any major flights that service this island so you will need to head over there by sea if you want to come visit! The closest airports are in Nome, Unalakleet, and Dillingham which can be reached using the King Salmon Ferry and the Prince William Sound ferry (fees apply) or traveling south from Anchorage via private charter jet . This trip takes about 6 hours one way with an overnight in either Alaska or Prince William Sound.
What Is King Salmon Ferry Like?
The ferry leaves Nome daily at 8:30 am, 12pm and 4:00 pm for a round trip of approximately four hours only stopping available on the way back to stock up with fuel (!). At 1 :45 there are also two regularly scheduled day trips from Dillingham which take about six hours each taking passengers mostly fishing down below near the water’s edge but can be combined with other outings if desired!
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