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Wales Alaska
65.37N - 168.05W
Population: 159
Location: Wales is located on Cape Prince of Wales, at the western tip of the Seward Peninsula, 111 miles northwest of Nome.
History: A burial mound of the "Birnirk" culture (500 A.D. to 900 A.D.) was discovered near Wales and is now a national landmark. In 1827 the Russian Navy reported the Eskimo villages of "Eidamoo" near the coast and "King-a-ghe" further inland. In 1890, the American Missionary Association established a mission here, and in 1894 a reindeer station was organized. A post office was established in 1902. Wales became a major whaling center due to its location along migratory routes, and it was the region's largest and most prosperous village, with more than 500 residents. The influenza epidemic in 1918-19 claimed the lives of many of Wales' finest whalers.
Culture: Wales has a strong traditional Kinugmiut Eskimo whaling culture. Ancient songs, dances, and customs are still practiced. In the summer Little Diomede residents travel between the two villages in large traditional skin boats. The sale or importation of alcohol is banned in the village.
Economy: The economy of Wales is based on subsistence hunting and fishing, trapping, Native arts and crafts, and some mining. A private reindeer herd is managed out of Wales and local residents are employed to assist in the harvest. Whales, walrus, polar bear, moose, salmon, and other fish are utilized.
Transportation: Wales is accessed by air and sea only. There is a State-owned 2,600' gravel airstrip, and the ice on the Straits is frequently used by planes in the winter. Scheduled and charter flights are available. A cargo ship delivers goods to Nome, which is then lightered a half mile to shore. Skin boats are still a popular method of sea travel, and snowmobiles are used in winter. A new 6.5-mile road to Tin City was recently completed.
Climate: It has a maritime climate when the Bering Strait is ice-free, usually June to November. After the freeze, there is an abrupt change to a cold continental climate. Average summer temperatures range from 40 to 50; winter temperatures range from -10 to 6. Annual precipitation is 10 inches, including 35 inches of snow. Frequent fog, wind and blizzards limit access to Wales.
Facilities: Water is derived from Gilbert Creek during the summer, and residents haul treated water from a 500,000-gal. storage tank at the washeteria. Some use untreated water from Village Creek. The community needs a second water source, and has experienced water shortages; Cape Mountain is being investigated as a possible source. Almost all residents use honeybuckets, and very few homes currently have plumbing. The school, clinic and city building are connected to a piped water and septic system. A Master Plan to implement a piped system is due in mid-1998. The landfill is not permitted.
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