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Aleutians West Census Area

 

 

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Located in southwestern Alaska, the Aleutians West Census Area is one of the most extensive and remote regions in the state. It consists of the western half of the Aleutian Island chain, and extends north to the Pribolof Islands in the Bering Sea. It has no organized borough government. In 2003, it had an estimated resident population of 5,420.The Unangan, known since the Russian era as "Aleuts," originally inhabited the Aleutians Islands. The Native village of Nikolski may be the oldest continuously occupied community in the world and still relies heavily on subsistence wild foods. Unalaska is also a former Native village and a World War II army base.

The Aleutian Islands became a theatre of battle in World War II with an attack by the Japanese on Unalaska on June 3, 1942 and the Japanese occupation of Kiska and Attu islands. Some Aleuts were taken prisoner by the Japanese; most other Aleut residents were evacuated and interned in Southeast Alaska for the duration of the war. Adak became the base of operations for a U.S. offensive on the Japanese-held islands of Kiska and Attu, and after the war was developed as a naval air station which played a part in the Cold War as a submarine surveillance center. The naval air station was closed in 1997.

Communities [population in brackets]:

 Adak [106]  Amchitka
 Atka [99]  Nikolski [39]
 Saint George [164]  Saint Paul [585]
 Shemya Station  Unalaska
 

 


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AKWEB: Alaska Genealogy & History -
This is a statewide list intended for the exchange of genealogical, historical and cultural information about the state of Alaska and the ancestors who lived here. Newbies to genealogical research and/or computer researching in Alaska are welcome. 
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AKSWEST: A mailing list for the discussion and sharing of information regarding genealogy and history in Alaska's Southwest Region, encompassing Aleutians East Borough, Aleutians West Census Area, Bethel Census Area, Bristol Bay Borough, Dillingham Census Area, Kodiak Island Borough, and Lake and Peninsula Borough. Newbies to genealogical research and/or computer researching in Alaska are welcome.

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AKNAT: NATIVES OF ALASKA is a statewide list intended for the exchange of genealogical, historical, and cultural information of Alaska Natives.

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