Ketchikan is 235 miles south of Juneau. It lies along the Inside Passage in "the land of the totem pole." The city is situated on Revillagigelo Island and experiences a moderate, moist climate.

In 1887, a salmon cannery was erected on the future site of Ketchikan. By 1936, seven canneries were in operation, producing 1.5 million cases of salmon. The community blossomed swiftly after nearby copper mining began in 1898. The city's name is said to be a Tlingit phrase, "thundering wings of an eagle."

Today Ketchikan, population 7,922, is Alaska's southernmost major city, which relies upon a fishing and tourism economy. Of interest are Dolly's House Museum, and Deer Mountain Tribal Hatchery & Eagle Center. There also is a Salmon Derby in May, a Timber Festival in July, and a Blueberry Arts Festival in August.

Ketchikan is home to the largest collection of totem poles in the world, at Totem Bight State Historical Park.

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The Most Anticipated Upcoming Alaska Events Are: Nutcracker Ballet Fairbanks December 4 thru December 6 Blues Train Anchorage continuing thru September 27 Jazz Festival Sitka February 4 thru February 6 Polar Bear Jump-Off Festival Seward January 15 thru January 17 Great Alaska Beer & Barley Wine Festival Anchorage January 15 thru January 16

Other upcoming events include: Julebukking Petersburg December 24 Alyeska WinterFest Anchorage February 5 thru February 7 Jazz Festival Sitka February 4 thru February 6 Winter Festival North Pole December 5 thru December 6 Wearable Arts Extravaganza "Cirque de Pluie" Juneau February 13 thru February 14