Ports Of Call | Pelican, AK | “Closest To The Fish”
Being a commercial fisherman with ties to Pelican, Alaska, I’d paint its story with a different brush. Pelican has this unmistakable allure, stemming from its establishment back in 1938. That’s when Kalle “Charlie” Raatikainen, an astute fish buyer from Sitka, arrived with his vessel, the “Pelican”, and chose this location for a cold storage facility, aiming to simplify the lives of fishermen like us who were weary of transporting our catch to Sitka.
Before Pelican’s emergence, the area was rather subdued, with a handful of miners like Jack Cann and Hjalmer Mork quietly searching for gold. But Charlie’s arrival marked a turning point. He jump-started the community using his fish-buying scows as makeshift amenities – a cookhouse, a mess hall, and more. The town essentially sprouted up around his business. By 1939, Pelican boasted a store, a sawmill, a post office, and soon after, a school and a cannery were established.
Pelican’s construction is a part of its charm. Most of it stands on pilings over the tidelands, a necessity due to the scarcity of flat land. The main street is a picturesque boardwalk, contributing to the town’s unique atmosphere. In its early days, it was often nicknamed “Finn Town” because of the significant Finnish presence.
Over the years, Pelican has transformed. The cold storage ceased operations, but this led to the rise of sport fishing lodges, enhancing the tourism scene. What I cherish most is that Pelican remains untouched by the large cruise ships that dominate other destinations. Here, you’re greeted with stunning views of the Fairweather mountains and quaint, rustic streets.
But the real soul of Pelican is Rose’s “World Famous” Bar. It’s the community’s gathering spot, rich in stories and atmosphere. If you’re seeking an authentic Alaskan fishing village experience, brimming with character and history, Pelican is the place to be. And for those interested in delving deeper into its history, resources like Explore North, Pelican’s official website, and Alaska Guide are great places to start.
