Craig, Alaska

Craig is the largest town on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, about 56 miles by air northwest of Ketchikan. It began in 1907 as a herring fishing camp and was incorporated in 1922.[1]

Location and climate

Craig is in the Prince of Wales–Hyder Census Area, about 56 miles by air northwest of Ketchikan and 220 miles south of Juneau. It has an oceanic climate with chilly, wet winters and mild summers, with average annual precipitation of about 100 inches and snowfall of about 15 inches.[1]

History

Craig began in 1907 as a temporary herring fishing camp and is named for Craig Miller, who set up a fish saltery on nearby Fish Egg Island that year. Haida people who had been displaced from Haida Gwaii moved to Prince of Wales Island and helped at the saltery, and Miller later built a cold storage plant and packing company at the present townsite. Craig incorporated as a second-class city on March 1, 1922, and became a first-class city in 1973.[1]

Economy

Commercial fishing, fish processing and timber have been the main sources of income. Record pink salmon runs in the 1930s brought settlers, the fishery declined in the 1950s as salmon were depleted, and a large sawmill opened nearby in 1972. Tourism, including salmon fishing and hunting, and the U.S. Forest Service are also significant employers.[1]

Population

Census counts were 212 in 1920, 505 in 1940, 527 in 1980, 1,260 in 1990, 1,397 in 2000, 1,201 in 2010 and 1,036 in 2020.[1]

FAQs

Where is Craig? On Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska.

Who is Craig named for? Craig Miller, who ran a fish saltery in 1907.

What is its population? 1,036 in the 2020 census.

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Craig, Alaska

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue