Petersburg

Petersburg sits at the northern tip of Mitkof Island, where the Wrangell Narrows meet Frederick Sound in Southeast Alaska. The town sprawls along steep waterfront terrain between waters known for abundant fish populations.

Peter Buschmann arrived from Norway in 1910 and founded Petersburg by building a cannery, sawmill, and docks on the island. These early structures made the settlement a hub for regional resource processing.

The Sons of Norway hall sits on a waterfront pier, reflecting the Norwegian heritage that gave Petersburg its nickname Little Norway. You can see this legacy woven into the town's architecture and the way locals organize their community gatherings.

The Alaska Marine Highway connects Petersburg regularly with other coastal communities, and Alaska Airlines offers daily flights to the area. Come prepared for wet weather and wear sturdy footwear, as terrain is steep and paths are often slick.

In 1965, local fishermen established Icicle Seafoods by acquiring facilities from Pacific American Fisheries. This move reshaped the local economy and established a major fishing operation that still defines the town today.

Location: Petersburg Borough

Inception: 1910

Elevation above the sea: 11 m

Website: http://ci.petersburg.ak.us

GPS coordinates: 56.80444,-132.94194

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:14