Galena is a small city in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area on the north bank of the Yukon River, about 45 miles east of Nulato. It had 472 residents in 2020 and was home to a military airfield from World War II until 2010.[1]
| Population (2020) | 472 (peak 833 in 1990) |
|---|---|
| Area | 24.51 sq mi |
| Elevation | 128 ft |
| Incorporated | 26 October 1971 |
| Founded | 1918 |
| Air Force station closed | 1 October 2010 |
History
Koyukon Athabascan people fished the Yukon at about 12 summer camps before the city was founded in 1918. It was named after lead ore mines that opened in 1918 and 1919, and it was incorporated on 26 October 1971.[1]
A military airfield was built beside the local airport in 1941 and 1942 during World War II and was later named Galena Air Force Station. The base closed on 1 October 2010, and the Air Force continues cleanup work there.[1]
2013 flood
In May 2013 an ice jam about 20 miles downstream flooded roughly 90 percent of homes. Most residents were evacuated by air, and an Air Force flood wall protected the runway and the boarding school.[1]
People and institutions
In 2010, 63.6 percent of residents were Native American and 29.4 percent White, and the average age was 36.8. Supplies arrive by river barge in summer, and the Galena Interior Learning Academy boarding school and the IDEA distance-learning program are major local institutions.[1]
FAQs
Where is Galena? On the north bank of the Yukon River in Interior Alaska.
What happened in 2013? An ice-jam flood damaged about 90 percent of homes.
When did the air station close? 1 October 2010.
Sources
Key facts
- 472 residents (2020)
- Air station closed 2010
Quick checkWhen was Galena founded?Show answer
1918
Sources
- Wikipedia (via Kiddle). Galena, Alaska. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-13)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 13, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue