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Golovin

Siŋik  (Inupiaq)
Cingik  (Central Yupik)

Головин  (Russian)
Golovin, 1941
Golovin, 1941
Golovin, Alaska is located in Alaska
Golovin, Alaska
Golovin, Alaska
Location in Alaska
Country United States
State Alaska
Census Area Nome
Incorporated March 26, 1971
Area
 • Total 4.13 sq mi (10.71 km2)
 • Land 4.13 sq mi (10.71 km2)
 • Water 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
43 ft (13 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 175
 • Density 42.32/sq mi (16.34/km2)
Time zone UTC-9 (Alaska (AKST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-8 (AKDT)
ZIP code
99762
Area code 907
FIPS code 02-29180
GNIS feature ID 1402760

Golovin is a small city in Nome Census Area, Alaska, United States. Its original names were Chinik (from Inupiaq: Siŋik or Central Yupik: Cingik) and Russian: Головин. In 2020, about 175 people lived there.

Where is Golovin located?

Golovin is found in western Alaska. It sits on a piece of land between Golovnin Bay and Golovnin Lagoon. This area is part of the Seward Peninsula.

  • It is about 105 kilometers (65 miles) east of Nome.
  • The bay and lagoon are named after Russian Vice-Admiral Vasily Golovnin.
  • The city's name is a slight misspelling of his last name.
  • The city covers about 10.71 square kilometers (4.13 square miles) of land.

How many people live in Golovin?

Historical population
Census Pop.
1890 38
1900 140 268.4%
1930 135
1940 116 −14.1%
1950 94 −19.0%
1960 59 −37.2%
1970 117 98.3%
1980 87 −25.6%
1990 127 46.0%
2000 144 13.4%
2010 156 8.3%
2020 175 12.2%
U.S. Decennial Census

The city of Golovin first appeared on the U.S. Census in 1890. It was then known as the native village of Ikaleaveagmiut. In 1900, it was called Cheennik Village.

  • Golovin officially became a city in 1971.
  • In 2000, there were 144 people living in Golovin.
  • Most residents are Native American.
  • Many households in Golovin have children under 18.
  • The average household has about three people.

What is the history of Golovin?

Golovin was first an Inupiat village called Chiŋik.

Naming of Golovin

The city is named after Captain Vasily Golovnin. He was a Russian Navy captain. He visited Alaska between 1807 and 1819. He was checking on the Russian-American Company.

Gold Rush Era

In 1842, Lt. Lavrenty Zagoskin reported the village as "Ikalikguigmyut." Later, in 1867, a church and school were built south of the current city.

  • Around 1890, John Dexter opened a trading post. This post became a key place for gold prospectors.
  • Gold was found in 1898 near Council.
  • Golovin became an important supply point for the gold fields.
  • Ships would unload supplies in Golovin. These supplies were then sent by boat to the gold fields.

After the Gold Rush

When gold was discovered in Nome, many people moved there. This caused Golovin's population to shrink.

  • Around 1900, Reindeer herding began in the area.
  • Today, Golovin is a checkpoint for the famous Iditarod dog sled race.

Who are some notable people from Golovin?

  • Donny Olson is an important person from Golovin. He is an Alaska State Senator. He is also a lawyer, pilot, doctor, and reindeer herder.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Golovin (Alaska) para niños

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