Seward
Situated on Resurrection Bay on the east coast of the Kenai Peninsula, 125 miles south of Anchorage is Seward, the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Parks. With a population of 2,830 this small city has a storied history. Seward earned its name from U.S. Secretary of State William Seward who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russian in 1867. Settlers began arriving to the area in the 1890s. In 1903 construction of the railroad began and Seward was officially incorporated in 1912. Seward was established to serve as the ocean terminus and supply center for the Alaska Railroad system, which it still does today.
Seward was severely damaged by tsunamis generated in the 1964 "Good Friday" earthquake. The railroad terminal and harbor were destroyed and several residents killed. Today Seward is still an important transportation hub though the economy has diversified to include tourism, commercial fishing and processing, ship services, and oil and gas development.
The Alaska SeaLife Center, Kenai Fjords National Park, Exit Glacier, and the Mount Marathon Race and Fourth of July festivities are popular attractions. Over 320,000 cruise ship passengers visit Seward annually. With direct access to Resurrection Bay commercial and sport fishing are a huge part of Seward life. Seward is unique among small communities in Alaska with its wide array of transportation options. It is connected via the Seward Highway to Anchorage and the rest of the Kenai Peninsula. Regular air and train service is also available. Seward exhibits the best parts of small town life with a vibrant, artistic community along with the modern conveniences of city life.
Data from the US Census Bureau showed a population of 2,830 living in 1,058 housing units, 86.7% of which are occupied. Median family income was $54,904, per capita income was $20,360 and the unemployment rate was 15.6%. 10.6% of individuals live below the poverty line.
Government
City of Seward P.O. Box 167 Seward, Alaska 99664 (907) 224-4020
Kenai Peninsula Borough 144 N. Binkley St. Soldotna, Alaska, 99669 (907) 262-4441
Schools
Seward Public Schools
UAF - Seward Marine Center PO Box 730 201 Railway Avenue Seward, AK 99664-0730 (907) 224-5261
My Local Real Estate Connections
Seward Realty
Integrity Realty Linda-Rae Olsen (907) 224-8450
Hospitals
Providence Seward Medical Center P.O. Box 365 Seward, Alaska 99664 (907) 224-5205
Business
Seward Chamber of Commerce 2001 Seward Highway Seward, AK 99664 (907) 224-8051
Recreation
Alaska Sealife Center Kenai Fjords National Park Mount Marathon Race Seward Parks and Recreation Seward Salmon Derby
Community Information
Google Map of Seward US Census Data for Seward
|