The History of Hooper Bay

Hooper Bay is located 20 miles south of Cape Romanzof, 25 miles south of Scammon Bay in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. The city is separated into two sections: a heavily built-up townsite located on gently rolling hills, and a newer section in the lowlands. It lies at approximately 61° 31' N Latitude, 166° 05' W Longitude (Sec. 26, T017N, R093W, Seward Meridian). The community is located in the Bethel Recording District. The area encompasses 9 sq. miles of land and 0 sq. miles of water.

"Askinuk" or "Askinaghamiut" are the early Eskimo names for Hooper Bay. The village was first reported in 1878 by E.W. Nelson of the U.S. Signal Service. The 1890 Census found 138 persons living in 14 homes. The name Hooper Bay came into common usage after a post office with this name was established in 1934. The present-day Eskimo name "Naparagamiut" means "stake village people."

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