By Tim Lambert
For centuries, the Tlingit people fished on the site of Ketchikan. The name Ketchikan comes from Kitschk-hin, the Tlingit word for Ketchikan Creek. In 1883, a man named John Snow started a saltery in the area. In 1885, a man named Mike Martin bought 160 acres from Chief Kyan, and in 1886, a cannery opened. A town grew up around it. Ketchikan Post Office opened in 1892. Ketchikan was incorporated in 1900. At that time, it was a small settlement with a population of about 800, but it grew rapidly. In the early 20th century, more canneries were built.
In 1910, the town of Ketchikan had a population of 1,613. It grew very rapidly. By 1930, Ketchikan had 3,976 people. The town thrived on the salmon industry. By the 1930s, it was known as the salmon capital of the world. In 1903, a lumber industry began in the town. In the same year, 1903, Ketchikan gained an electric supply. St. John’s Episcopal Church was built in 1904.
In 1919, Dolly Arthur (Thelma Copeland) bought a house in Ketchikan. She entertained men there until 1954. Dolly died in 1975, but her house is now a museum. In the early 20th century, Creek Street had several brothels. The Married Man’s Trail provided a discreet exit.
Ketchikan High School began in 1913. The first library in Ketchikan opened in 1901. A new library opened in 2013. The first hospital in Ketchikan was Yates Memorial Hospital, which opened in 1909. Little Flower Hospital opened in 1923. In 1963, it was replaced by Ketchikan PeaceHealth Medical Center.
By 1950, Ketchikan had a population of 5,305. Ketchikan Pulp Mill was built in 1954. It closed in 1997. Meanwhile, by 1970, the population of Ketchikan rose to 6,994. Ketchikan International Airport opened in 1973.
However, in the late 20th century, tourism in Ketchikan grew steadily. Tongass Historical Museum opened in 1967. Ketchikan Totem Heritage Center opened in 1976. The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center opened in 1995. The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show opened in 2000. In the 21st century, tourism is the town’s main industry. Today, many cruise ships stop in Ketchikan. It’s sometimes called Alaska’s First City, because it’s the first city in the state when approaching from the south.
Today, Ketchikan is a flourishing town. In 2026, the population of Ketchikan was 8,192.
Dolly’s House in Ketchikan