Whittier is a small city at the head of Passage Canal on Prince William Sound, about 58 miles southeast of Anchorage. Its 272 residents (2020) mostly live in one building, and its only land access is a combined road and rail tunnel.[1]
| Population | 272 (2020) |
|---|---|
| Incorporated | 1969 |
| Tunnel length | 13,300 ft |
| Nickname | Town under one roof |
Begich Towers
Begich Towers, a 14-story building completed in 1957 and originally called the Hodge Building, houses most of the town’s residents and gives Whittier its nickname, the town under one roof. It contains 150 two- and three-bedroom apartments plus efficiency units.[1]
Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel
The tunnel through Maynard Mountain is Whittier’s only land access. At 13,300 feet it is the second-longest highway tunnel and the longest combined rail and highway tunnel in North America, and it opened to public traffic in 2000.[1]
1964 earthquake
The 27 March 1964 Good Friday earthquake caused over $10 million in damage in Whittier, and the tsunami that struck reached 43 feet and killed 13 people.[1]
FAQs
How do you get to Whittier by road? Through the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel.
Why is Whittier called the town under one roof? Most residents live in Begich Towers.
How long is the tunnel? 13,300 feet.
Sources
Key facts
- Population 272 (2020)
- Begich Towers 1957
- Tunnel opened 2000
Quick checkHow long is the Whittier tunnel?Show answer
13,300 feet.
Sources
- Wikipedia. Whittier, Alaska. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue