North Pole is located 14 miles southeast of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway. It lies 386 miles north of Anchorage and 2,347 miles north of Seattle. It lies at approximately 64° 45' N Latitude, 147° 21' W Longitude (Sec. 09, T002S, R002E, Fairbanks Meridian). The community is located in the Fairbanks Recording District. The area encompasses 4 sq. miles of land and 0 sq. miles of water.

In 1944,     Bon Davis homesteaded this area. Dahl and Gaske Development Company later bought the Davis homestead, subdivided it, and named it North Pole, hoping to attract a toy manufacturer who would advertise products as being made in North Pole. The Santa Claus House was subsequently developed by the Miller family. Growth from Fairbanks and the nearby Eielson Air Force Base have increased development over the years.

For a much more detailed history, see the City of North Pole site.

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To Community Histories Index Alaska DCCED Community Database Online

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History and map graphic used with permission from the Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development