The History of Kenny Lake

Kenny Lake lies off of the Richardson Highway, between mile 1 and 17 on the Edgerton Highway, and between mile 1 and 8 of the Old Edgerton Highway. It is along the preferred route into the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. It lies at approximately 61° 43' N Latitude, 144° 56' W Longitude (Sec. 31, T001S, R003E, Copper River Meridian). The community is located in the Chitina Recording District. The area encompasses 111 sq. miles of land and 1 sq. miles of water.

The Ahtna people have occupied the region historically. The area was settled in the 1960s by a number of homesteaders due to the rich fertile soil and agricultural potential. However, a number of homesteaders cleared 20 acres of land, built a cabin and lived there for 6 months of every year for five years as required to obtain ownership, then subdivided and sold the property. There are still four original homesteaders farming their land. Until the 1970s the Old Edgerton Highway was the only road into Kenny Lake.

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