The History of Ketchikan
Ketchikan is easy to admire for its beauty. But long before cruise ships and souvenir shops arrived, this small town lived through stories that shaped all of Alaska. Stories of survival, power, greed, resilience, and reinvention that have made Ketchikan what it is today and the people who shaped it into what we love. So what made Ketchikan the place it is today. Salmon.
The story begins with a man name Snow. While little is known about him, we know that he recognized that the salmon in Ketchikan could provide him with the food and income to sustain life for him and his family. He created the first salmon saltery in Ketchikan.
Then came Mike Martin in 1883. He purchased 160 acres of land from Chief Kyan of the Tongass Tlingit and began building. He saw that the Salmon could not only sustain life for one person but also sustain life and income for everybody in Ketchikan.
The Salmon that Built Ketchikan
Every Salmon begins its life in freshwater streams like Ketchikan Creek. Tiny eggs rest safely beneath gravel beds until they hatch into young fish called fry. These salmon spend months, and sometimes years, in freshwater before heading out to sea.
Once they reach the Pacific Ocean, they begin an incredible journey. Salmon can travel thousands of miles through Alaska's coastal waters, growing stronger and larger as they mature.
Then comes one of nature's greatest miracles.
Using an instinct scientists still don't fully understand, salmon return to the exact creek where they were born. They battle strong currents, leap over obstacles, and push themselves to exhaustion to reach their spawning grounds.
What many people don't realize is that by the time salmon return to freshwater, their bodies have undergone incredible changes. During their years in the ocean, they adapt to living in saltwater. Their kidneys, gills, and bodies become specialized in a marine environment. As they begin their journey back upstream, they stop eating entirely and rely on stored energy reserves.
This transition back into freshwater triggers a series of dramatic biological changes. Their bodies begin to break down as they focus every remaining ounce of energy on reproduction. Their immune systems weaken, their organs deteriorate, and they become physically exhausted from the journey. By the time they have laid their eggs or fertilized them, their life cycle is complete.
While this cycle sounds sad, it is critical. The nutrients from their bodies feed bears, eagles, otters, insects, forests, and even future generations of salmon. Scientists have found that the nutrients carried inland by spawning salmon help support entire ecosystems throughout Southeast Alaska. In many ways, the forests surrounding Ketchikan owe part of their existence to the salmon that return home each year.
Five Types of Salmon
Thumb - Chum
Thumb and chum rhyme, making this one easy to remember. Chum Salmon are known for their strength and resilience, traveling long distances to return to their spawning streams across Alaska.
Pointer Finger - Sockeye Salmon
Sockeye Salmon
Point to your eye to remember sockeye. Sockeye salmon are famous for their brilliant red flesh and incredible migrations, making them one of Alaska's most prized food fish.
Middle finger -King Salmon
The middle finger is the tallest finger on your hand, just as King Salmon is the largest of Alaska's five salmon species. These giants can weigh more than 50 pounds and are often considered the trophy fish of Alaska.
Ring Finger - Silver Salmon / Coho
Many rings are made of silver, making them a perfect match for Silver Salmon. Coho are known for their beautiful chrome appearance and their reputation as one of Alaska's most exciting sport fish to catch.
Pinky finger - Pink Salmon
The pinky finger helps you remember Pink Salmon. They are the smallest of Alaska's Pacific salmon species but also the most abundant, returning to Alaska's rivers in massive numbers every other year.
As someone who has traveled to Alaska multiple times, I love helping travelers discover destinations that make Alaska unforgettable. If Ketchikan is on your bucket list, I'd love to help you find the perfect Alaska Adventure.
