Port Wakefield is an abandoned cannery located on the northeast coast of Raspberry Island in the Kodiak Island Borough of Alaska. Once a thriving hub for the fishing industry, it now stands as a testament to Alaska’s rich maritime history. Below is detailed information about the town.
County: Kodiak Island Borough
Zip Code: Not available
Latitude / Longitude: Approximately 58°02′57″N, 153°03′09″W
Elevation: Not available
Time Zone: Alaska Standard Time (AKST) (UTC-9)
Established: Post-World War II era
Disestablished: 1966
Comments: Port Wakefield was established by Lowell Wakefield, regarded as the founder of the Alaskan king crab industry. The facility included cannery buildings, cedar log houses, and a church for workers. In 1964, the area suffered significant damage during the Alaska earthquake and tsunami, leading to the subsidence of Raspberry Island by as much as six feet. By 1966, all salvageable buildings were moved to Port Lions, and the original site was abandoned.
Remains: The site is now abandoned, with remnants of the cannery and associated structures still visible.
Current Status: Abandoned
Remarks: The land was eventually purchased and is now used for tourism, with wilderness lodges operating in the area.
