Wales is located at the western tip of the Seward Peninsula on Cape Prince of Wales. A historical burial mound was discovered near Wales, and is now a national landmark.
In the early 1900s, Wales became a major whaling center due to its location along migratory routes. It was the region's largest and most prosperous village at the time, with more than 500 residents. An influenza epidemic in 1918, claimed the lives of many of Wales' finest whalers.
Today, Wales has a strong Kinugmiut Eskimo whaling culture. In the summer, Little Diomede residents travel between the two villages in large traditional skin boats.