The History of Napaimute

Napaimute is located on the north bank of the Kuskokwim River, 28 miles east of Aniak in the Kilbuck-Kuskokwim Mountains. It lies at approximately 61° 32' N Latitude, 158° 41' W Longitude (Sec. 27, T017N, R052W, Seward Meridian). The community is located in the Kuskokwim Recording District. The area encompasses 44 sq. miles of land and 3 sq. miles of water.

Napaimute means "forest people," and was once called "Hoffman's." In 1906, George W. Hoffman, an Englishman, established a trading post at the site. A community of non-Native trappers and miners, with a significant number of Eskimos, developed around the trading post. Hoffman built a territorial school in 1920. A second school was established in 1926. By the early 1950s, most residents had moved to nearby villages, many to Aniak. Today, it is used as a summer fish camp.

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