Aleutians East Borough Overview
Aleutians East Borough is located in the southwestern region of Alaska, extending across the western end of the Alaska Peninsula and a portion of the eastern Aleutian Islands. The borough is characterized by its remote, rugged landscape, which includes volcanic peaks, dramatic coastlines, and numerous islands. Aleutians East Borough was incorporated in 1987 and has a population of about 3,000 people. The borough is heavily dependent on commercial fishing, especially for crab, pollock, and salmon, with some areas also focusing on tourism and subsistence activities. The region’s isolation, harsh weather conditions, and unique geography make transportation challenging, with access primarily by air and sea.
The borough is bordered by the Aleutian Islands to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the south, and it is composed of several small towns and villages. Sand Point serves as the borough seat and is the largest community in the borough. The region’s cultural heritage is deeply influenced by its Aleut (Unangan) population and Russian exploration in the 18th century.
- County Seat: Sand Point
- Number of Cities and Towns: 6
- Major School Districts: Aleutians East Borough School District
Sand Point
Sand Point Overview
Sand Point, the largest city and the borough seat of Aleutians East Borough, is located on Popof Island, just off the Alaska Peninsula. Originally founded in the late 19th century as a fishing and trading outpost, Sand Point grew into a major hub for commercial fishing. The town’s economy revolves around seafood processing, with fishing fleets targeting pollock, crab, and salmon in the nearby Bering Sea. Sand Point is known for its dramatic coastal views, volcanic landscapes, and strong Aleut cultural presence.
The climate in Sand Point is maritime, with cool summers, mild winters, and frequent rainfall. Major landmarks include the Russian Orthodox Church, a nod to the area’s history of Russian influence, and the annual Silver Salmon Derby, which draws fishing enthusiasts from around the region.
- Population: 976
- Population Density: 54 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 99661
- Road Network: Limited road network on Popof Island
- Nearest Airports: Sand Point Airport
- Libraries: Sand Point School Library
- Hospitals: Sand Point Medical Clinic
Schools in Sand Point
Sand Point is served by the Aleutians East Borough School District. Sand Point School offers education for students from PreK through grade 12, with approximately 100 students enrolled. The school provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes academic subjects, cultural studies, and extracurricular activities such as sports and traditional Aleut crafts. Small class sizes allow for individualized attention, and the school plays a central role in the community, offering various cultural and social events throughout the year.
King Cove
King Cove Overview
King Cove is a small fishing town located on the southern side of the Alaska Peninsula. It was founded in 1911 as a salmon cannery site and has since grown into a key player in the region’s fishing industry. King Cove is primarily known for its seafood processing facilities, which employ many residents during the fishing season. The town is surrounded by rugged mountains, which provide dramatic scenery and make transportation by land difficult.
The climate in King Cove is typically maritime, with high winds, frequent fog, and mild temperatures year-round. Key landmarks include the Peter Pan Seafoods Cannery and the historic St. Herman Orthodox Church. Despite its isolation, King Cove remains a vibrant community with a strong cultural identity.
- Population: 710
- Population Density: 43 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 99612
- Road Network: Local roads, limited vehicle access
- Nearest Airports: King Cove Airport
- Libraries: King Cove School Library
- Hospitals: King Cove Medical Clinic
Schools in King Cove
The King Cove School is part of the Aleutians East Borough School District and serves students from PreK to grade 12. With around 80 students, the school provides a range of academic and extracurricular activities, including cultural programs that focus on Aleut heritage and skills. The small school size allows for personalized education, and the community places a strong emphasis on student involvement in both academics and traditional practices like fishing and crafting.
False Pass
False Pass Overview
False Pass is a small town located on the eastern end of Unimak Island, the first of the Aleutian Islands. The town was established in the early 1900s as a fishing and trading post. The name False Pass comes from the misleading narrow channel between Unimak Island and the mainland, which appears navigable but is not safe for large vessels. Fishing is the primary industry in False Pass, particularly for salmon and crab. The town’s remote location and small population give it a close-knit, self-sufficient atmosphere.
False Pass has a subarctic climate with cool, wet summers and cold, windy winters. The town’s natural beauty, with its views of active volcanoes and surrounding wilderness, attracts adventurous visitors. The Unimak Pass, located nearby, is a significant migratory route for whales and other marine life.
- Population: 40
- Population Density: 1.4 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 99583
- Road Network: Limited road network within town
- Nearest Airports: False Pass Airport
- Libraries: False Pass School Library
- Hospitals: Nearest clinic in King Cove
Schools in False Pass
False Pass is home to a small Aleutians East Borough School District school, False Pass School, which serves students from PreK through grade 12. With fewer than 10 students, the school offers a highly personalized education, with a focus on academic subjects, practical skills, and Aleut cultural studies. Despite the small student body, the school provides access to technology and distance learning opportunities to ensure students receive a comprehensive education.
Cold Bay
Cold Bay Overview
Cold Bay, located on the western end of the Alaska Peninsula, was originally established as a military base during World War II. Today, it serves as a strategic transportation hub due to its large airport, which is one of the main stopovers for flights in the Aleutians. The town has a small year-round population, with most activity centered around aviation and wildlife services. Cold Bay is surrounded by the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, known for its large populations of migratory birds, including the Pacific black brant.
Cold Bay’s weather is heavily influenced by the surrounding Bering Sea, with frequent fog, strong winds, and mild temperatures. The town’s landmarks include remnants of its military past, such as old barracks and bunkers, and the Izembek Lagoon, a vital stop for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
- Population: 48
- Population Density: 0.6 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 99571
- Road Network: Limited road network within town
- Nearest Airports: Cold Bay Airport
- Libraries: Cold Bay School Library
- Hospitals: Cold Bay Health Clinic
Schools in Cold Bay
Cold Bay School, part of the Aleutians East Borough School District, serves a small student body from PreK to grade 12, typically fewer than 10 students. The school focuses on academic achievement while also incorporating cultural programs that reflect the region’s Aleut heritage. With access to distance learning and technology, students can engage in a full range of subjects despite the town’s remote location.
Akutan
Akutan Overview
Akutan is a small city located on Akutan Island, one of the easternmost islands in the Aleutians. It is best known for its large seafood processing facility, which is one of the largest in the world and operates year-round. Fishing is the lifeblood of Akutan’s economy, with most residents working in the industry. The town itself is situated on a picturesque bay, surrounded by rugged mountains and volcanic terrain.
Akutan’s climate is maritime, with cool, foggy summers and mild winters. Major landmarks include the Trident Seafoods plant and the Akutan Volcano, an active stratovolcano that is a dominant feature of the landscape.
- Population: 1,027
- Population Density: 57 people per square mile
- ZIP Codes: 99553
- Road Network: Limited road network on the island
- Nearest Airports: Akutan Seaplane Base, nearby Unalaska/Dutch Harbor Airport
- Libraries: Akutan School Library
- Hospitals: Akutan Health Clinic
Schools in Akutan
The Akutan School is part of the Aleutians East Borough School District and serves around 25 students from PreK to grade 12. The school offers a blend of academic education and cultural programs, with an emphasis on the Aleut language and traditional crafts. Students also participate in various extracurricular activities, including sports and outdoor education, benefiting from the small class sizes and tight-knit community atmosphere.