Fishhook (Alaska)
Fishhook | ||
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Location in Alaska
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Basic data | ||
State : | United States | |
State : | Alaska | |
Coordinates : | 61 ° 41 ′ N , 149 ° 16 ′ W | |
Time zone : | Alaska ( UTC − 9 / −8 ) | |
Residents : | 4,679 (as of 2010) | |
Population density : | 20.5 inhabitants per km 2 | |
Area : | 229.0 km 2 (approx. 88 mi 2 ) thereof 228.2 km 2 (approx. 88 mi 2 ) land |
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Area code : | +1 907 | |
FIPS : | 02-25550 | |
GNIS ID : | 2418582 |
Fishhook is a census-designated place (CDP) in Matanuska-Susitna Borough in Alaska in the United States .
geography
Fishhook is northwest of Palmer and north of Lakes and Farm Loop . The development of the area was facilitated by the Wasilla-Fishhook Road and the Fishhook-Willow Road, which merges north of the Little Susitna River into the Hatcher Pass Road . Fishhook is about 40 to 60 minutes' drive from Anchorage .
history
Fishhook was named after Fishhook Creek, which flows into the Little Susitna River northwest of Palmer. In 1906 gold was found on the bottom of Fishhook Creek . A year later, a gold mine was set up in the area. This led to a mass rush of gold prospectors which eventually resulted in the establishment of the Willow Creek Mining District. The Carle Wagon Road (now Wasilla-Fishhook Road) was built to carry cargo to the gold mines. Hatcher Pass became a favorite ski area for the miners employed in the gold mines and other locals. A cable car and a ski lift were in operation at the Hatcher Pass until this was no longer possible in 1972 due to new safety regulations. A world class ski center on Government Peak is currently being planned.
economy
The economy is based on retail . Many residents work in Anchorage, Palmer, and Wasilla, or are civil servants with the CDP, borough, and federal local government. Independence Mine State Historical Park and Hatcher Pass are the most popular tourist destinations in the area. The George Parks Highway , Glenn Highway, and other local roads connect the area to Anchorage, the rest of the state, and Canada . The Alaska Railroad operates routes to Fairbanks and Seward .
Demographics
At the time of the 2000 census ( US Census 2000 ) Fishook CDP had 2030 inhabitants on a land area of 228.2 km². The median age was 33.2 years (US national mean: 35.3 years). The per capita income (engl. The per capita income ) amounted to US $ 20,042 (national average of USA: US $ 21,587). 8.5% of the population had their income below the poverty line (US national average: 12.4%). 23.5% of the population are of German descent .