Whittier

A historical landmark, Whittier is located on the northeast shore of the Kenai Peninsula, at the head of Passage Canal, approximately 60 miles southeast of Anchorage. The City has a population of less than 300 and today simply acts as docking point for major cruise lines such as Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Lines, with passengers transferring on to Anchorage.

The area was originally part of the portage route for the Chugach Indians of Prince William Sound travelling to fish the Turnagain Arm. Later the Russians and Americans exploring the region also used this passage. It was used by prospecting miners during the gold rush as it was the quickest passage from the Sound to the Cook Inlet and Interior regions. In 1948 the military began construction of the first of two buildings for their military personnel as the Port of Whittier was then recognised as an ice-free, deepwater port strategically located to Anchorage and Interior Alaska. This remained active until 1960 at which time the total population was 1200.