The History of Port Lions

Port Lions is located in Settler Cove, on the north coast of Kodiak Island, 247 air miles southwest of Anchorage. It lies at approximately 57° 52' N Latitude, 152° 53' W Longitude (Sec. 05, T027S, R022W, Seward Meridian). The community is located in the Kodiak Recording District. The area encompasses 7 sq. miles of land and 3 sq. miles of water.

The town was founded in 1964 by the displaced inhabitants of Afognak, which was destroyed by tsunami after the Good Friday Earthquake. The community was named in honor of the Lions Club, for their support in rebuilding and relocating the village. For many years, Port Lions was the site of the large Wakefield Cannery, on Peregrebni Point. The cannery burned down in March 1975. Soon thereafter, the village corporation purchased a 149-foot floating processor, the Smokwa. Although sold in 1978, the Smokwa processed crab in the area intermittently between 1975 and 1980. A small sawmill, located south of town, operated until 1976.

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