 Photo by KNOM |
Current Population: 144 (2007 DCCED Certified Population)
Diomede is located on the west coast of Little Diomede Island in the Bering Straits, 135 miles northwest of Nome. It is only 2.5 miles from Big Diomede Island, Russia, and the international boundary lies between the two islands. Diomede is located in the Cape Nome Recording District. The area encompasses 2.8 sq. miles of land and 0.0 sq. miles of water. Summer temperatures average 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures average from -10 to 6 degrees Fahrenheit. Annual precipitation is 10 inches, and annual snowfall is 30 inches. During summer months, cloudy skies and fog prevail. Winds blow consistently from the north, averaging 15 knots, with gusts of 60 to 80 mph. The Bering Strait is generally frozen between mid-December and mid-June.
Early Eskimos on the islands were fearless men of the ice and sea, with an advanced culture practicing elaborate whale hunting ceremonies. They traded with both continents. The islands were named in 1728 by Vitus Bering in honor of Saint Diomede. The 1880 Census counted 40 people, all Ingalikmiut Eskimos, in the village of "Inalet." When the Iron Curtain was formed, Big Diomede became a Soviet military base and all Native residents were moved to mainland Russia. During World War II, Little Diomede residents who strayed into soviet waters were taken captive. The City was incorporated in 1970. Some residents are interested in relocating the village, due to the rocky slopes and harsh storms, lack of useable land for housing construction, and inability to construct a water/sewer system, landfill or airport
The
information provided on this page was obtained from:
The
Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development, Community Database Online |
