Nelson Lagoon, Alaska facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nelson Lagoon
Niilsanam Alĝuudaa
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 Nelson Lagoon, Alaska
Location in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Borough | Aleutians East |
| Area | |
| • Total | 246.98 sq mi (639.67 km2) |
| • Land | 188.10 sq mi (487.18 km2) |
| • Water | 58.88 sq mi (152.49 km2) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 41 |
| • Density | 0.22/sq mi (0.08/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-9 (Alaska (AKST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-8 (AKDT) |
| ZIP code |
99571
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| Area code(s) | 907 |
| FIPS code | 02-52940 |
Nelson Lagoon is a small community in Alaska, United States. It is located in the Aleutians East Borough. In 2020, only 41 people lived there. Its name in the local Unangax̂ is Niilsanam Alĝuudaa.
Nelson Lagoon was started around 1960. It is the newest community in the Borough. It is also the only Aleut village right on the Bering Sea coast. The community sits on a narrow strip of sand. This sand strip separates the lagoon from the Bering Sea. Nelson Lagoon is a great place for salmon fishing. The community has good docking places for boats. It also has storage for boats and fishing gear. There is a 4,000-foot-long gravel runway for flights.
In March 2016, ash from Mount Pavlof covered Nelson Lagoon. This happened during a strong eruption of the nearby volcano.
Contents
History of Nelson Lagoon
The area where Nelson Lagoon is now was once a summer fishing camp for the Aleut people. In 1882, the lagoon got its name from Edward William Nelson. He was a naturalist and explorer. He traveled through this region between 1877 and 1920.
From 1906 to 1917, a salmon salting factory operated here. Most of the workers were fishermen from Scandinavia. These men married local women. Today, many native people in Nelson Lagoon have some Scandinavian family history.
A permanent village was built in 1960. A school was added five years later. This helped the settlement grow into a larger community.
Community Life in the Past
In 1985, a study looked closely at Nelson Lagoon. It described the community as well-organized and close-knit. The study found that the village council was very strong. It had been formed in 1971. The same five members were still on the council. They met often and worked well together. In Nelson Lagoon, politics often involved families. The village council members usually represented the three main families.
The study also noted that the village was still small and isolated. It had not changed much since it was founded. Younger generations in the village had a unique custom. Brothers from one family often married sisters from another. This meant future generations had to find partners from other communities.
The Russian Orthodox Church was the main religion at that time. However, some people were becoming less religious. Education was highly valued in Nelson Lagoon. This might have been because of their Scandinavian ancestors.
Geography of Nelson Lagoon
Nelson Lagoon is located on the northern coast of the Alaska Peninsula. It sits on a narrow sand strip. This strip separates the lagoon from the Bering Sea.
The total area of Nelson Lagoon is about 196.6 square miles (509.2 square kilometers). About 135.3 square miles (350.4 square kilometers) is land. The rest, about 61.4 square miles (159.0 square kilometers), is water.
Environment and Climate
Nelson Lagoon has a maritime climate. This means its weather is influenced by the ocean. The weather can be very dramatic and change often. Winds are usually strong, blowing at 20 to 25 miles per hour.
Temperatures usually range from 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 to 10 degrees Celsius). The lowest temperature can be -15 degrees Fahrenheit (-26 degrees Celsius). The highest can be 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). On average, the area gets about 56 inches of snow each year.
Population Changes
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1970 | 43 | — | |
| 1980 | 59 | 37.2% | |
| 1990 | 83 | 40.7% | |
| 2000 | 83 | 0.0% | |
| 2010 | 52 | −37.3% | |
| 2020 | 41 | −21.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Nelson Lagoon first appeared in the U.S. Census in 1970. It was listed as an unincorporated village. In 1980, it became a census-designated place (CDP).
Population in 2010
In 2010, there were 52 people living in Nelson Lagoon. They lived in 22 households. About 75% of the people were Native American. About 21% were White. The rest were Asian or from two or more races.
Most households were married couples living together. Some households had children under 18. The average age of people in Nelson Lagoon was 41 years old.
Economy and Jobs
Nelson Lagoon's economy mostly relies on salmon fishing. The nearby fishing area is very productive. Because fishing is seasonal, people also do other activities. They hunt and trap animals for food and resources during parts of the year.
The Tides Inn Motel and Cafe is the only hotel and restaurant in Nelson Lagoon. There is also a Post Office.
Culture and Traditions
The culture in Nelson Lagoon is deeply connected to its Native American heritage. Traditional activities like fishing and hunting are very important. These activities help the community maintain its way of life.
Education in Nelson Lagoon
Nelson Lagoon School
The Nelson Lagoon School was a public school. It was part of the Aleutians East Borough School District. The school closed in 2012. By 2015, there were no school-aged children left in the village.
Around 1978, the school had two teachers and 18 students. At that time, it was part of the Aleutian Region School District.
Getting Around Nelson Lagoon
Transportation
Nelson Lagoon can only be reached by boat or plane. The Nelson Lagoon Airport has a 4,000-foot-long gravel runway. This airport serves regular flights to and from the community.
There is also a dock for boats. A boat ramp and a harbormaster's office help manage the boats.
See also
In Spanish: Nelson Lagoon para niños
