Ketchikan Federal Building

The Ketchikan Federal Building is a six-story reinforced concrete structure on Mission Street with a two-story attached wing. It houses federal offices and includes a former jail area that now displays artwork.

The building opened in 1938 after the Ketchikan Women's Council secured funding through the Works Progress Administration. This New Deal-era program helped bring many such government projects to communities during the Great Depression.

The former jail area features murals created by Tlingit and Haida artists from Alaska, whose designs and symbols fill the space with local meaning. These works represent the traditions and stories of the region's Native peoples.

The building is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with visitors using an Airphone system in the entrance foyer to access federal offices. The artwork in the former jail area is generally accessible and requires no special arrangements.

Since 1990, the building has been painted a distinctive salmon color on its exterior, making it the only federal building in the entire country with this hue. This striking choice makes it easy to spot and sets it apart from typical government structures.

Location: Ketchikan

GPS coordinates: 55.34170,-131.64300

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:02