Current Population: 136 (2007 DCCED Certified Population)
Wales is located on Cape Prince of Wales, at the western tip of the Seward Peninsula, 111 miles northwest of Nome. Wales is located in the Cape Nome Recording District. The area encompasses 2.8 sq. miles of land and 0.0 sq. miles of water. It has a maritime climate when the Bering Strait is ice-free, usually June to November. After the freeze, there is an abrupt change to a cold continental climate. Average summer temperatures range from 40 to 50; winter temperatures range from -10 to 6. Annual precipitation is 10 inches, including 35 inches of snow. Frequent fog, wind and blizzards limit access to Wales.
A burial mound of the "Birnirk" culture (500 A.D. to 900 A.D.) was discovered near Wales and is now a national landmark. In 1827 the Russian Navy reported the Eskimo villages of "Eidamoo" near the coast and "King-a-ghe" further inland. In 1890, the American Missionary Association established a mission here, and in 1894 a reindeer station was organized. A post office was established in 1902. Wales became a major whaling center due to its location along migratory routes, and it was the region's largest and most prosperous village, with more than 500 residents. The influenza epidemic in 1918-19 claimed the lives of many of Wales' finest whalers. The City government was incorporated in 1964.
The
information provided on this page was obtained from:
The
Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development, Community Database Online |
