King Island, located in the Bering Sea approximately 40 miles south of Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska, is a ghost village that was once home to the Ugiuvangmiut, an Inupiat community known for their unique cliffside homes. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Nome Census Area
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: 64°58′N, 168°05′W
Elevation: Not available
Time Zone: Alaska Standard Time (AKST) (UTC-9)
Established: Prehistoric
Disestablished: 1970s
Comments: King Island was inhabited by the Ugiuvangmiut, or “people of the sea,” for centuries. Their village, Ukivok, consisted of homes and storage sheds built on stilts anchored into the cliffs of the island. The community relied on subsistence hunting of seals and walruses, crab fishing, and gathering bird eggs to sustain their isolated lifestyle. In the 20th century, a school closure by the Bureau of Indian Affairs forced residents to relocate to mainland Alaska, particularly Nome. By the 1970s, the island was fully abandoned.
Remains: The cliffside village structures remain in a deteriorated state, offering a haunting view of the ingenuity of the former inhabitants. The island is uninhabited but continues to attract researchers and visitors interested in its cultural history.
Current Status: King Island is uninhabited and considered a ghost village. The site holds cultural and historical significance for the descendants of the Ugiuvangmiut.
Remarks: King Island is a testament to the adaptability of indigenous communities to extreme environments. The relocation of its residents serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by remote Alaskan villages in maintaining their traditional way of life.
