The History of Cold Bay

Cold Bay is located in the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, on the western end of the Alaska Peninsula. It lies 634 miles southwest of Anchorage, and 180 miles northeast of Unalaska. It lies at approximately 55° 12' N Latitude, 162° 42' W Longitude (Sec. 01, T058S, R089W, Seward Meridian). The community is located in the Aleutian Islands Recording District. The area encompasses 58 sq. miles of land and 22 sq. miles of water.

Archaeological sites dating to the last ice age indicate the area around Cold Bay was once inhabited by a large Native population, and was used by European hunters and trappers throughout the 19th century. During World War II, Cold Bay was the site of the strategic air base Fort Randall. At that time, the airport was the largest in the state, with a 10,000' runway.

To Community Histories Index Alaska DCCED Community Database Online

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