Page Contents for Takotna, Alaska

Statistics & Facts

Location

Weather & Climate

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Economy

Schools.

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The Alaska state capital is Juneau.
The population of Takotna is approximately 51 (2004), 52 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 40 (1990), 22 (2010).
The amount of land area in Takotna is 37.676 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in Takotna is 23.5 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0 sq kilometers.
The distance from Takotna to Washington DC is 3980 miles.
The distance to the Alaska state capital is 879 miles. (as the crow flies)
Takotna is positioned 62.99 degrees north of the equator and 156.17 degrees west of the prime meridian.
The average winter temperature is -42 to 0 degrees F.
The average summer temperature is 42 to 80 degrees F.

Location

the interior of Alaska on the west side of Denali. It is on the north bank of the Takotna River. It is 17 air miles west of McGraph in the Kilbuck-Kuskokwim Mountains.
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Climate

a cold, continental one. Winters are cold and summers are generally cool. The Takotna River is usually frozen over from November through May.
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History & History Related Items

Before becoming Takotna, the community was also known as Berry Landing, Portage City, Takotna City, Takotna Station and Tocotna.

In 1908, Arthur Berry was hired to bring supplies up the Takotna River to Bethel. He wasn’t able to navigate all the way up the river and stopped at the spot where Takotna is now located. By 1912, the small settlement had grown as a supply center for the area miners. When gold was discovered nearby, the town began to prosper. Less than 10 years later there were many businesses, a post office and around 50 homes. The Takotna-Ophir road was approved in 1923 and an airfield built, ensuring continued prosperity. Other roads were built and a radio station began to broadcast from Takotna. During the depression era of the 1930’s, nearby McGrath began to take over the major supply status for the area and some businesses had to close. The Tatlina Air Force Station opened in 1949, but it was phased out during the 1980s.
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Attractions

Takotna is a checkpoint on the Iditarod Trail. During the race, the town volunteers to cook, clean and provide housing for mushers and their dogs. Residents take their responsibilities seriously and prepare for weeks ahead, ordering food and supplies, lining up lodging and getting ready to welcome the racers. Many of the students do extra class days earlier in the year so they are able to take the time off during the race. It is truly a big community project with nearly everyone who is able participating.

Takotna’s population consists of non-natives as well as Ingalik Indians and Eskimos.

To come to Takotna, you must arrive by air or water. There are no roads to connect to the community. A public airstrip and runway at Tatalina Air Force Station about 10 miles southeast of Takotna. There are some local roads to connect with mines and outlying areas. Sterling Landing, where cargo is offloaded from the river, and Tatlina AFS also are accessible by road.

Here are some pictures of Takotna. These pictures are of the local school.

Iditarod Dog Race

Tesoro Iron Dog Race
2000 Mile Snow Machine Race
February each year.
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Economy & Industry

mainly a cash and subsistence one. Most employment is through the school, post office and local businesses. Moose and Salmon are the primary sources for the hunting. Local gardens also provide much of the food for the community.
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Takotna Schools

Takotna Community School Takotna

Miscellany

The population of Takotna was:
1990 - 38
2000 - 50
2004 - 51