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Welcome To KEY TO THE CITY's Page For
Nenana
Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska
ZipCodes
99760
History & History-related items
Chamber of Commerce.
Organizations, Churches, and Sports.
Here is a map page for Nenana.
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Climate
cold and continental with wide variations in temperature throughout the year. Summer average highs range between 65 and 70. In winter the average low is well below 0. The overall temperature range runs from -69 to 98.
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History & History Related Items
Nenana was first known as Tortella. This is for an Indian word, Toghotthele, meaning mountain that parallels the river. The Tanana people lived here, interacting with the Russian and later other early explorers. AFter the Fairbanks gold discovery in 1902, many more people came to strike it rich. In 1903, a trading post and roadhouse was built by Jim Duke. Later, a school was built where many outlying villages sent their children to be educated. When the Alaska Railroad was built here in 1915, the population grew rapidly. The railroad depot was finished in 1923. Then US President, Warren Harding, drove in the golden spike at the end of the steel bridge over the Tanana River. Though transportation was no longer a problem, Nenana began an economic slump. In 1961, Clear Air Force Station was built nearby which brought many people to the area. A huge flood innundated the area in 1967, destroying most buildings. As part of the rebuilding effort, a new bridge was built over the Tanana River and replaced the River Ferry. In 1971, the George Parks Highway was completed, providing a direct route to Anchorage.
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Attractions
The Nenana Ice Classic
This annual event is a competition to guess the date and time when the Tanana River ice break-up will occur. It began in 1917 with the surveyors who came for the Alaska Railroad.
The community is 47.3% Alaska Native or part Native. The Nenana Native Association is a federally recognized tribe here. Most of the population of Nenana is Tanana Athabascan.
Some attractions for the area are the Alaska Railroad Museum, the Golden Railroad Spike Historic Park and Interpretive Center, the historical Episcopal Church, Iditarod dog kennels, and a replica of the sternwheeler, Nenana.
Don't miss this great picture page for Nenana.
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Economy & Industry
mainly government based with the city, tribe, school district and the Department of Transportation. River barge companies provide a goodly amount of employment during the summer months.
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