About Ketchikan

One of the most common questions property owners ask themselves is: “What is my real estate worth right now?” This is a great question with an ever-changing answer in today’s market. The good news is that calling one of the agents at Gateway City Realty will effectively plug you into the current market trends and local information.

This is a FREE service and could save you thousands by avoiding underpricing your property. You will also receive other important information on suggested repairs, market trends and staging your property for marketing.

To find out what your property value may be, simply call us at (907) 225-2545 and set-up an appointment with an agent to meet and talk about your real estate.

The City of Ketchikan began in 1883, when a man named Snow erected a salmon saltery. Only two years later, businessmen from Oregon hired a man named Mike Martin to come to the area and investigate the possibilities to erect a salmon cannery on what is now known as Ketchikan Creek.

A short time later Martin and the salmon cannery’s overseer, George Clark, set up a cooperative and opened a salmon saltery and a general store. Just a short two years later, Ketchikan’s population reached 800 and was a major player in the salmon fishery. In 1900, the town of Ketchikan was officially incorporated.

Mining and prospecting enterprises were just starting in the area at that time and Ketchikan became an important trading hub for the area. The population continued to boom as industry increased production. What is now known as the Historic Creek Street area was once a well-known “red light” district where many of the local mining and fishing entrepreneurs spent their hard-earned money. Today, those same original structures built on wood pilings still stand over the creek and house businesses that cater to both locals and visitors alike.

Mining eventually declined and the fisheries and timber industries took stride and grew alongside the Ketchikan Spruce Mill in the early 1900’s. By 1954, the Ketchikan Pulp Mill was erected at nearby Ward Cove, thus providing local residents with new jobs.

Today the timber industry has taken a backseat and Ketchikan is now focusing its energies on another industry; tourism.

Use the following resources to find information about moving to or visiting Ketchikan.

Alaska Airlines
http://www.alaskaair.com/

Alaska Marine Highway System Ferry
http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/

Alaska Marine Lines Shipping & Transport
http://www.lynden.com/aml/

Hotels & Lodging
http://www.ketchikanchamber.com/relocation-info