Whittier

Whittier is a port city in Alaska at the head of Passage Canal, framed by mountains and glaciers. It serves as a gateway to Prince William Sound within Chugach Census Area.

The Army built Camp Sullivan in 1943 near Whittier Glacier during World War II, adding a military port and rail link. The settlement later transitioned into a civilian harbor operating throughout the year.

The name honors American poet John Greenleaf Whittier, chosen by early military officers who built the original camp. Visitors today see the Begich Towers functioning as a vertical neighborhood where nearly everyone lives, works, and sends children to school under one roof.

The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel connects the town to Anchorage and is North America's longest combined road and rail tunnel. Vehicles drive through on a timed schedule, sharing the lane with trains.

The area receives around 16 feet (5 meters) of precipitation annually, causing thick fog and frequent rain. The harbor stays ice-free year-round and holds hundreds of boats heading into Prince William Sound.

Location: Chugach Census Area

Inception: July 15, 1969

Elevation above the sea: 13 m

Website: https://whittieralaska.gov

GPS coordinates: 60.77306,-148.68389

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:00