Barrow is the northernmost city in Alaska, 340 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the largest municipal government in the world, and the nation's farthest northern community. With approximately 4,500 residents, the Barrow area is probably the harshest polar location in Alaska.
North Slope Borough wildlife includes polar bears, grizzly bears, arctic foxes, red foxes, caribou, moose, snowy owls, wolves, whales, beaver, Dall sheep, bowhead whales, bearded seals, ringed seals, and spotted seals.
This small community is much like other locations within Alaska with no roads connecting it to other communities. Airlines provide the main mode of transportation to Barrow with flights from Anchorage and Fairbanks. Of course there is the more traditional dog sled method as well.
Barrow is one of the world's largest Eskimo settlements where traditional culture and modern life are blended. North Slope oil discovery has brought wealth to the area, including modern influences such as snowmobiles. Most homes are heated by natural gas from nearby gas fields. There are community electric, water and sewer systems, a public radio station and cable TV facilities.
Polar Bears move with the retreating and the returning pack ice during the seasons and may be found near shore lead systems where seals are abundant. Many bears are attracted to inhabited coastal communities like Barrow in their relentless search for food.
For 82 days the sun rises and never sets between May 10th to August 2nd and from November 18th through January 24th the sun never rises above the skyline.
Archaeological sites in the area indicate the Inupiat Eskimos lived as far back as 500 A.D. at Ukpeagvik, as Barrow is traditionally known. The name means "place where owls are hunted." Archaeologists have identified remains of 16 dwelling mounds from the Birnirk culture still in evidence today.
Barrow takes its name from Pt. Barrow, which was named for Sir. John Barrow of the British Admiralty in 1825. British Navy officers were in the area to plot the Arctic coastline of North America. The U.S. Army established a meteorological and magnetic research station at Barrow in 1881, and the Cape Smythe Whaling and Trading Station was established in 1893.
In early October the Fall whaling season begins. The sun never rises for 51 days between November 18th and January 24th. If it's not cloudy and the stars are out there's a great chance for viewing of the northern lights. The aurora borealis is always present, but for most people it rarely stretches far enough south for them to see. It is most often seen overhead in Barrow Alaska between about 10 PM and 2 AM during the winter months.
Sourced with thanks from King Eider Barrow Information
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