- Community Type: 1st Class City
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Current Population: 4276
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Borough Name: North Slope Borough
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Regional Native Corporation: Arctic Slope Regional Corp.
- REAA/School District: North Slope Borough Schools
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Latitude: 71° 17' N
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Longitude: 156° 14' W
- Land Area: 18.80
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Water Area: 2.20
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| Location:
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Barrow, the northernmost community in North America, is located
on the Chukchi Sea coast, 10 miles south of Point Barrow from
which it takes its name. It lies 725 air miles from Anchorage.
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| History:
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Archaeological sites in the area indicate habitation from 500
to 900 A.D. Sixteen dwelling mounds from the Birnirk culture
remain today. Barrow is named for Sir John Barrow, 2nd Secretary
of the British Admiralty. Barrow is known as Ukpeagvik (place
where owls are hunted.) The Cape Smythe Whaling and Trading Station
was constructed here in 1893. The Inupiaq traditionally depend
on subsistence marine mammal hunting, supplemented by inland
hunting and fishing.
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| Culture:
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The majority of residents are Inupiaq Eskimos. Traditional marine
mammal hunts and other subsistence practices are an active part
of the culture. Bowhead, gray, killer and beluga whales migrate
near Barrow each summer. Sale, importation, and possession of
alcohol are banned in the community.
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| Economy:
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Barrow is the economic center of the North Slope Borough, the
city's primary employer, and numerous businesses provide support
services to oil field operations. State and federal agencies
also provide employment. The midnight sun has attracted tourism,
and arts and crafts provide some cash income. Five residents
hold commercial fishing permits.
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| Transportation:
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Regularly-scheduled jet services provide Barrow's only year-round
access. The State-owned Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport
serves as the regional transportation center for the Borough.
The airport has recently undergone major improvements. Marine
and land transportation provide seasonal access. The City has
requested funds for construction of a small boat harbor.
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| Climate:
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The climate of Barrow is arctic. Precipitation is light, averaging
5 inches, with snowfall 20 inches. Temperatures range from -56
to 78, averaging 40 during summer. The sun does not set between
May 10th and August 2nd. each summer, and does not rise between
Nov. 18th and January 24th each winter.
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