Dutch Harbor facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dutch Harbor
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Natural-color image of Dutch Harbor
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 Dutch Harbor
Location in Unalaska
Dutch Harbor
Location in Alaska
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| Country | United States | |
| City | Unalaska, Alaska | |
| Time zone | UTC-9 (Alaska (AKST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-8 (AKDT) | |
| ZIP code |
99692
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| Area code(s) | 907 | |
Dutch Harbor is a busy harbor located on Amaknak Island in Unalaska, Alaska. It's famous for being attacked during World War II in June 1942. This was one of the very few places in the United States that was bombed by another country during the war.
Today, Dutch Harbor is a very important center for the fishing industry.
Contents
History of Dutch Harbor
Early Discoveries and Trade
A Russian ship commander named Druzhinin found this deep-water harbor. It was a great discovery because it was naturally protected from the rough waves of the Bering Sea. This made it a safe place for ships.
Dutch Harbor is in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. It's close to some of the world's best fishing areas. Plus, the harbor never freezes, which is very helpful for ships.
The native people of this area are called the Aleut. When Russians arrived, they made the Aleut pay taxes using animal furs.
The Russian-American Company used Dutch Harbor for transporting goods. They mainly moved furs from seals and sea otters.
Alaska Becomes Part of the U.S.
In 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the United States. After this, fur continued to be the main product shipped from Alaska.
A company from San Francisco took over the Russian-American Company's business. Later, the Alaska Commercial Company took over in 1868.
Around 1895, the number of sea otters went down. This made the fur trade slow down. In 1897, many people came to Alaska hoping to find gold during the gold rush.
Dutch Harbor in World War II
During World War II, the U.S. Army and Navy built a large base at Dutch Harbor. It was called the Dutch Harbor Naval Operating Base and Fort Mears, U.S. Army. The first soldiers arrived in June 1941. The navy air base was ready by September 1941.
This base also provided a safe place for people evacuated from other Aleutian Islands.
In early 1942, U.S. Navy experts predicted a Japanese attack in the North Pacific. They warned Dutch Harbor about the coming danger.
On June 3, 1942, 20 Japanese planes attacked Dutch Harbor. They came from two aircraft carriers of the Imperial Japanese Navy. This event is known as the "Battle of Dutch Harbor." The planes targeted the radio station and fuel tanks. The fighting continued the next day. This was the first time the continental United States was attacked by air during World War II.
By mid-1942, a small base for submarines was set up. These submarines were later replaced by newer, longer-range ones.
By May 1943, a large number of soldiers and sailors were stationed at the base. There were over 10,000 sailors and nearly 10,000 soldiers.
After World War II
In 1947, the last U.S. Navy units left Dutch Harbor. The military base was then closed down.
In 1952, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stored many extra buildings from the base.
In the mid-1980s, the U.S. government paid to clean up the old fort. The area was then used for businesses. The U.S. Navy also closed its air base at Dutch Harbor.
Dutch Harbor Today
Dutch Harbor is often seen on the Discovery Channel TV show Deadliest Catch. This reality television series about crab fishing has been filmed there since 2005.
Population Changes
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1930 | 17 | — | |
| 1940 | 52 | 205.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Dutch Harbor was first counted in the U.S. Census in 1930. It was listed as a small village. It was last counted separately in 1940. After that, it became part of Unalaska, Alaska.
Fishing Industry
Dutch Harbor is known as one of the top fishing ports in the world. More than a billion dollars worth of fish are handled there each year.
Huge amounts of pollock and cod are caught in the Bering Sea. The Bering Sea has a very large underwater shelf. This area supports a rich and diverse ocean environment.
Images for kids
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Dutch Harbor attacked in WW2 - June 1942
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Buildings burning after the first Japanese attack, 3 June 1942.
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The Naval Operating Base in 1972
Mount Ballyhoo centered -
The building at Dutch Harbor airport was used as a communication room and terminal with the old U.S. Navy Aero Unit insignia in August 1972
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View of Dutch Harbor ramp area with a USCG C-130 Hercules on stand-by for an emergency flight.
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Crab boats docked at Dutch Harbor in January 2009.
