Saint Michael, AK | Saint Michael Business Listings Source: Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development
Current Population: 368 (certified December, 2000, by DCED) Incorporation Type: 2nd Class City Borough Located In: Unorganized Taxes: Sales: 4%, Property: None, Special: None Location and Climate
St. Michael is located on the east coast of St. Michael Island in Norton Sound. It lies 125 miles southeast of Nome and 48 miles southwest of Unalakleet. It lies at approximately 63d 29m N Latitude, 162d 02m W Longitude (Sec. 24, T023S, R018W, Kateel River Meridian). Saint Michael is located in the Cape Nome Recording District. The area encompasses 21.2 sq. miles of land and 6.1 sq. miles of water. St. Michael has a subarctic climate with maritime influences during the summer. Summer temperatures average 40 to 60; winters average -4 to 16. Extremes from -55 to 70 have been recorded. Annual precipitation is 12 inches, with snowfall of 38 inches. Summers are rainy and fog is common. Norton Sound is ice free from early June to mid-November. History, Culture and Demographics
A fortified trading post called "Redoubt St. Michael" was built by the Russian-American Company at this location in 1833; it was the northernmost Russian settlement in Alaska. The Native village of "Tachik" stood to the northeast. When the Russians left Alaska in 1867, several of the post's traders remained. "Fort St. Michael," a U.S. military post, was established in 1897. During the gold rush of 1897, it was a major gateway to the interior via the Yukon River. As many as 10,000 persons were said to live in St. Michael during the gold rush. St. Michael was also a popular trading post for Eskimos to trade their goods for Western supplies. Centralization of many Yup'iks from the surrounding villages intensified after the measles epidemic of 1900 and the influenza epidemic of 1918. The village remained an important trans-shipment point until the Alaska Railroad was built. The City government was incorporated in 1969.
Alaska Natives represent 91.2% of the population. A federally recognized tribe is located in the community. St. Michael's population is largely Yup'ik Eskimo today, and many residents are descendants of Russian traders. Seal, beluga whale, moose, caribou, fish and berries are important staples. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village.
During the April 1990 U.S. Census, there were 78 total housing units, and 9 of these were vacant. The official unemployment rate at that time was 22.9%, with 74 jobs estimated to be in the community and 60.6% of all adults not in the work force. The median household income was $23,194, and 20.9% of residents were living below the poverty level.
Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
Water is derived from Clear Lake, is treated and stored in a 1.2 million-gallon tank. A new sanitation system is under construction to provide water delivery/holding tanks for homes, a piped gravity and vacuum sewer system with septic treatment, and household plumbing. 44 homes are served by the new system, and another 37 houses are being connected. These unserved residents currently haul treated water and use honeybuckets. Funds have been requested to expand the washeteria. DEC has approved the landfill for use, although it is not permitted.
Electricity is provided by AVEC.
There is one school located in the community, attended by 116 students.
Local hospitals or health clinics include St. Michael Health Clinic.
Economy and Transportation
The St. Michael economy is based on subsistence food harvests supplemented by part-time wage earning. Most cash positions are found in city government, the IRA council and village corporation, schools, and local stores. Nine residents hold commercial fishing permits, primarily for the herring fishery. The Stebbins/St. Michael Reindeer Corral Project was completed in 1993 for a herd on Stuart Island. The reindeer are essentially unmanaged.
St. Michael is accessible by air and sea only. The State owns a 4,000' gravel airstrip, and a seaplane base is available. Regular and charter flights are available from Nome and Unalakleet. It is near the Yukon River delta and has a good natural harbor, but no dock. Lighterage service is provided on a frequent basis from Nome, and St. Michael receives at least one annual shipment of bulk cargo. A 10.5-mile road exists to Stebbins.