Willow (Alaska)
| Willow | |||
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Location in Alaska
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| Basic data | |||
| State : | United States | ||
| State : | Alaska | ||
| Coordinates : | 61 ° 46 ′ N , 149 ° 59 ′ W | ||
| Time zone : | Alaska ( UTC − 9 / −8 ) | ||
| Residents : | 1,658 (as of: 2000) | ||
| Population density : | 0.9 inhabitants per km 2 | ||
| Area : | 1,794.5 km 2 (approx. 693 mi 2 ) of which 1,773.7 km 2 (approx. 685 mi 2 ) are land |
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| Area code : | +1 907 | ||
| FIPS : | 02-85280 | ||
| GNIS ID : | 1417146 | ||
Willow is a census-designated place (CDP) in Matanuska-Susitna Borough in the US state of Alaska in the United States . The area is north of the city of Houston and is accessible via the George Parks Highway . The western limit of the CDP is the Susitna River .
history
The area of today's CDP Willow was first settled by the indigenous people of the Dena'ina - Athabasques . The parish was formed in 1897 when gold was found at Willow Creek . During the construction of the Alaska Railroad , surveyors , laborers, and other settlers came to Willow. In 1920 a train station was built. During the Second World War a radar warning station and an airfield were built. In 1954 Willow Creek was Alaska's largest gold mining district, producing approximately $ 18 million. The construction of the George Parks Highway in 1972 also contributed to the growth in the area. In 1976, the citizens of Alaska chose Willow as their new capital. However, funding to move the capital from Juneau to Willow was rejected in the 1982 election. As a result, Juneau remained the capital of Alaska.
economy
Many of Willow's residents are self-employed in tourism (running lodges, tour guides, and charter services) and retail businesses. Two sawmills in the area offer work opportunities. Some residents work in the nearby towns of Wasilla , Palmer, and Anchorage . Stock car races are popular throughout Alaska at Capitol Speedway . Willow is now the official host of the popular Idiatarod dog sled race .
Demographics
At the time of the 2000 census ( US Census 2000 ) Willow CDP had 1658 inhabitants on a land area of 1773.7 km². The median age was 40.1 years (US national mean: 35.3 years). The per capita income (engl. The per capita income ) amounted to US $ 22,323 (national average of USA: US $ 21,587). 22.1% of the population had their income below the poverty line (US national average: 12.4%). 22.2% of the population are of German descent and 14.8% are of Irish descent.