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67-411: The ARM Research Facility consists of three heavily instrumented fixed-location atmospheric observatories and mobile and aerial research facilities that measure radiative properties of the atmosphere, particularly cloud and aerosol formation processes. Continuous data from these sites, as well as supplemental data obtained through intensive field research campaigns, are available to scientists online through

134-476: A broadband Internet connection. 89.7% of the population had a high school diploma or higher, with 16.5% having a Bachelor's degree or higher. 79.0% of the population were in the civilian labor force. (72.8% of women) The median household income was $ 79,306, with the average per capita income from May 2019 to April 2020 being $ 48,730. 11.4% of the population were in poverty. As of the census of 2010, 9,430 people, 2,109 households, and 1,524 families residing in

201-893: A broad range of weather conditions. The Southern Great Plains (SGP) atmospheric observatory was the first field measurement site established by the ARM user facility. This observatory is the world’s largest and most extensive climate research facility. Scientists use data from the SGP to learn about cloud, aerosol and atmospheric processes, which in turn leads to improvements in models of the Earth’s climate. The SGP observatory consists of in situ and remote-sensing instrument clusters arrayed across approximately 9,000 square miles in north-central Oklahoma and south Kansas. The North Slope of Alaska (NSA) atmospheric observatory provides data about cloud and radiative processes at high latitudes. This observatory includes

268-511: A central facility at Barrow (known officially as Utqiaġvik ) and, to the east, the third ARM Mobile Facility at Oliktok Point. The NSA is a focal point for atmospheric and ecological research activity in the Arctic. Scientists use data from the NSA to improve the representation of high-latitude cloud and radiation processes in earth system models . The Eastern North Atlantic atmospheric observatory

335-509: A climate observation site in Utqiagvik as part of its Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Climate Research Facility. Despite the extreme northern location, temperatures at Utqiagvik are moderated by the surrounding topography . The Arctic Ocean is on three sides, and flat tundra stretches some 200 mi (320 km) to the south. No wind barriers or protected valleys exist where dense cold air can settle or form temperature inversions in

402-402: A field campaign to use one of three ARM mobile facilities (AMF) to collect atmospheric and climate data from under-sampled regions around the world. Each AMF is designed to operate in any environment—from the cold of the Arctic to the heat of the tropics—for campaigns typically lasting about a year. ARM Aerial Facility Aerial observatory capabilities of the ARM user facility are operated by

469-596: A for-profit village corporation established under the Act. In 1972, the North Slope Borough was established. The borough has built sanitation facilities, water and electrical utilities, roads, and fire departments, and has established health and educational services in Utqiagvik and the villages of the North Slope with millions of dollars in new revenues from the settlement and later oil revenues. In 1986,

536-570: A large role in the interannual variability observed in the global climate system. This site was discontinued in August 2014. In addition to the fixed-location observatories, ARM also offers mobile and aerial facilities. Mobile observatories To explore research questions beyond those addressed by ARM’s fixed atmospheric observatories located in Alaska, Oklahoma, and the Azores, scientists can propose

603-587: A pioneer settlement. It is not. Barrow is among the oldest permanent settlements in the United States. Hundreds of years before the European Arctic explorers showed up... Barrow was more or less where it is now, a natural hunting place at the base of a peninsula that pokes out into the Beaufort Sea ... Yankee whalers sailed here, learning about the bowhead whale from Iñupiat hunters... Later,

670-546: Is Ukpiaġvik ( IPA: [ukpi.ɑʁvik] ), which comes from ukpik " snowy owl " and is translated as "the place where snowy owls are hunted". A spelling variant of this name was adopted by the Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation when it was established in 1973. Archaeological sites in the area indicate the Iñupiat lived around Utqiagvik as far back as 500 AD. Remains of 16 sod dwelling mounds , from

737-436: Is cold and dry, classified as a tundra climate ( Köppen ET ). Winter weather can be hazardous because of the combination of cold and wind, while summers are cool even at their warmest. Weather observation records are available for Utqiagvik, dating back to the late 19th century. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Monitoring Lab operates in Utqiagvik. The United States Department of Energy has

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804-474: Is completely overcast slightly more than 50% of the year. It is at least 70% overcast around 62% of the time. Cloud types are mainly low stratus and fog; cumuli forms are rare. Peak cloudiness occurs in August and September when the ocean is ice-free. Dense fog occurs an average of 65 days yearly, mostly in summer. Ice fog is very common during the winter months, especially when the temperature drops below −30 °F (−34 °C). Wind speed variation during

871-475: Is land and 6,101 square miles (15,800 km ) (6.4%) is water. The borough is larger than 39 states. Its western coastline is along the Chukchi Sea , while its eastern shores (beyond Point Barrow ) are on the Beaufort Sea . The North Slope Borough is the largest county-level political subdivision in the United States by area, with a larger land area than the state of Utah , the 13th-largest state in

938-700: Is located in Utqiagvik, where the airport was renamed the Wiley Post–Will Rogers Memorial Airport in their honor. In 1940, the Indigenous Iñupiat organized as the Native Village of Barrow Iñupiat Traditional Government (previously, Native Village of Barrow), a federally recognized Alaska Native Iñupiat "tribal entity" as listed by the US Bureau of Indian Affairs around 2003. They wrote a constitution and by-laws under

1005-562: Is surrounded by the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska . The city of Utqiagvik has three sections, which can be classified as south, central, and north. They are known to residents as Utqiagvik, Browerville, and NARL, respectively. An ancient 5.0 mi (8 km)-sized crater, Avak , is situated near Utqiagvik. Owing to its location 330 mi (530 km) north of the Arctic Circle , Utqiagvik's climate

1072-550: Is the economic center of the North Slope Borough, the city's primary employer. Many businesses provide support services to oil field operations. State and federal agencies are employers. The midnight sun has attracted tourism, and arts and crafts offer some cash income. Because transporting food to the city is expensive, many residents continue relying on subsistence food sources. Whale , seal , polar bear , walrus , waterfowl , caribou , and fish are harvested from

1139-438: Is the newest measurement site established by the ARM user facility. This observatory is located on Graciosa Island in the Azores archipelago. The Azores are located in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean west of Portugal . The Tropical Western Pacific sites , where data was collected from 1996 to 2014, obtained data from the "warm pool" where the warmest sea surface temperatures on the planet and widespread convective clouds play

1206-658: The Birnirk culture of about 800 AD, can be seen on the shore of the Arctic Ocean. Located on a slight rise above the high-water mark, they risk being lost to erosion. Bill Streever, who chairs the North Slope Science Initiative's Science Technical Advisory Panel, wrote in his 2009 book Cold: Adventures in the World's Frozen Places : Barrow, like most communities in Alaska, looks temporary, like

1273-473: The Iñupiat , an indigenous Inuit ethnic group, for more than 1,500 years. The city's Iñupiaq name refers to a place for gathering wild roots. It is derived from the Iñupiat word utqiq , also used for Claytonia tuberosa (" Eskimo potato "). The name was first recorded by European explorers in 1853 as "Ot-ki-a-wing" by Commander Rochfort Maguire , Royal Navy. John Simpson's native map dated 1855 has

1340-439: The North Slope Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska . Located north of the Arctic Circle , it is one of the northernmost cities and towns in the world and the northernmost in the United States , with nearby Point Barrow as the country's northernmost point. Utqiagvik's population was 4,927 at the 2020 census , an increase from 4,212 in 2010. It is the 12th-most populated city in Alaska. The location has been home to

1407-550: The University of Miami , an anticipated rise in sea level and consequent global warming is inevitable, meaning the existence of Utqiagvik at its current location is doomed in the relative geological short term. Smoothed data from NOAA show that Utqiagvik has warmed by more than 11 °F (6.1 °C) since 1976. On December 5, 2022, Utqiagvik broke its previous record for the warmest winter temperature, hitting 40 °F (4 °C). The town first appeared in census records in

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1474-541: The 1880 U.S. Census as the unincorporated Inuit village of "Ootiwakh". All 225 of its residents were Inuit. In 1890, the community and area were returned as the "Cape Smythe Settlements", which included the refuge and whaling stations, Pengnok, Utkeavie, Kugaru (Inaru) River villages, four other camps, and Whaling Steamer Balaena . Of the 246 residents, 189 were Natives, 46 were White, one was Asian, and 10 were other races. This did not include nearby Point Barrow, which

1541-506: The ARM Aerial Facility (AAF). The AAF provides airborne measurements required to answer research questions proposed by scientists from around the world. Utqiagvik, Alaska Utqiagvik ( / ˌ ʊ t k i ˈ ɑː v ɪ k / UUT -kee- AH -vik ; Inupiaq : Utqiaġvik , IPA: [utqe.ɑʁvik] ), formerly known as Barrow ( / ˈ b ær oʊ / BARR -oh ), is the borough seat and largest city of

1608-584: The ARM Data Archive. ARM is collaboratively managed by nine DOE national laboratories. ARM seeks to provide the climate research community with strategically located in situ and remote-sensing observatories designed to improve the understanding and representation, in climate and earth system models, of clouds and aerosols as well as their interactions and coupling with the Earth’s surface. ARM focuses on obtaining continuous measurements—supplemented by field campaigns—and providing data products that promote

1675-889: The Borough for a family vacation in Hawaii. His wife, Maggie, was later convicted of embezzlement by the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission in 2015. Edward Itta succeeded George Ahmaogak and served two terms, 2005–2011. In 2011, Charlotte Brower defeated Ahmaogak in a runoff election after his Hawaii vacation was revealed. She was recalled in April 2016, after it was reported the year before that her office had made numerous donations to individuals (including family members), sports clubs, and other groups that amounted to more than $ 800,000 since 2011. In July 2016, Harry K. Brower Jr., Charlotte Brower's brother-in-law,

1742-662: The Duck-in, the Iñupiat protested a federal hunting ban on ducks, which threatened their livelihood and access to food security. The residents of the North Slope were the only Native people to vote on the acceptance of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act ; they rejected it. The Act was passed in December 1971 and, despite their opposition, became law. The Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation is

1809-561: The Earth's surface lies as far or farther from the equator as Utqiagvik. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 21 sq mi (54 km ), of which 3 sq mi (7.8 km ) are covered by water (14% of the total area). The predominant land type in Utqiagvik is tundra , which is formed over a permafrost layer that is as deep as 1,300 ft (400 m). Utqiagvik

1876-576: The North Slope Borough created the North Slope Higher Education Center. Renamed Iḷisaġvik College , it is an accredited two-year college providing education based on the Iñupiat culture and the needs of the North Slope Borough. The Tuzzy Consortium Library, in the Iñupiat Heritage Center , serves the communities of the North Slope Borough and functions as the academic library for Iḷisaġvik College. It

1943-453: The advancement of earth system models. ARM was established in 1989 by the U.S. Department of Energy to develop several highly instrumented ground stations. During the early years of the program, ARM focused on establishing field research sites, developing and procuring instruments, and developing techniques for both atmospheric retrievals and model evaluation. To obtain the most useful climate data, three main sites were chosen that represented

2010-521: The airline's assets to keep flights and shipments coming to the community, but the Alaska Attorney General stated that the borough did not have that authority. The borough is governed by an eleven-member assembly, elected to staggered three-year terms, which meets monthly. Representation on the assembly is apportioned among the various communities; Barrow is allotted six seats, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, and Wainwright one seat apiece, while

2077-496: The amount decreasing each day during the first half of the polar night. On the winter solstice (around December 21 or December 22), civil twilight in Utqiagvik lasts 3 hours. After this, the amount of civil twilight increases each day to around 6 hours at the end of the polar night. Particularly cold weather usually begins in January, and February is generally the coldest month, averaging −11.9 °F (−24.4 °C). By March 1,

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2144-468: The borough had 11,031 people and 1,979 households. The population density was 0.12 inhabitants per square mile (0.046/km ). There were 2,631 housing units at an average density of 0.03 inhabitants per square mile (0.012/km ). The racial makeup of the borough was 53.2% Native American or Alaska Native , 32.7% White , 4.3% Hispanic or Latino , 1.8% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander , 1.6% African American , and 5.3% were from two or more races. 4.6% of

2211-424: The borough. The population density was 12.03 square miles (31.2 km ) per person. There were 2,538 housing units at an average density of 35 square miles (91 km ) per unit. The racial makeup of the borough was 33.37% White , 1% Black or African American , 54.08% Native American (mostly Iñupiat ), 4.51% Asian , 1.1% Pacific Islander , 0.71% from other races, and 5.23% from two or more races. 2.64% of

2278-534: The city was 57.2% Alaska Native , 21.8% White , 9.4% Asian , 1.0% African American , 1.4% Pacific Islander , 0.7% from other races , 8.5% from two or more races , and 3.3% Hispanics or Latinos of any race. Of the 1,399 households, 56.5% had children under 18 living with them, 45.2% were married couples living together, 14.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.0% were not families. 23.0% of all households were individuals, and 1.8% had someone 65 or older living alone. The average household size

2345-630: The coast or nearby rivers and lakes. Utqiagvik is the headquarters of the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation , one of the Alaska Native corporations set up following the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act in 1971 to manage revenues and invest in development for their people in the region. North Slope Borough, Alaska The North Slope Borough is the northernmost borough in the US state of Alaska and, thus,

2412-407: The daily mean temperature rises above freezing, and the normal daily mean temperature remains above freezing until September 21. July is the year's warmest month, with an average temperature of 41.7 °F (5.4 °C). Beginning in mid-July, the Arctic Ocean is relatively ice-free until late October. The highest temperature recorded in Utqiagvik was 79 °F (26 °C) on July 13, 1993, while

2479-462: The day. October is usually the month with the heaviest snowfall, with measurable amounts occurring on over half the days and a 1991−2020 normal total accumulation of 10.3 in (26 cm). Sunlight is around 6 hours per day by the end of October. When the sun sets on November 18, it stays below the horizon until January 23, resulting in a polar night that lasts about 66 days. When the polar night starts, about 6 hours of civil twilight occur, with

2546-818: The freezing point on an average of only 136 days per year, and 92 days have a maximum at or below 0 °F (−18 °C). Freezing temperatures and snowfall can occur during any month of the year. Regarding precipitation, Utqiagvik has a desert climate and averages less than 6 in (150 mm) "rainfall equivalent" per year. One inch of rain has an estimated water content equal to 12 in (30 cm) of snow. According to 1981−2010 normals, this includes 37 in (94 cm) of snow, compared to 99 in (250 cm) for Kuujjuaq in Nunavik , Quebec , or 87 in (220 cm) and 69 in (180 cm) for much warmer Juneau and Kodiak, Alaska , respectively. Even Sable Island , at around 44 degrees latitude and under

2613-458: The high reaches at least 50 °F (10 °C). Temperatures above 60 °F (16 °C) are rare but have been recorded in most years. Even in July and August, the low falls to or below the freezing mark on an average of 18 days. In addition to its low temperatures and polar night, Utqiagvik is one of the cloudiest places on Earth. Owing to the prevailing easterly winds off the Arctic Ocean, it

2680-487: The ice offshore. After a two-week rescue effort ( Operation Breakthrough ), a Soviet icebreaker freed two of the whales. Journalist Tom Rose details the rescue, and the media frenzy that accompanied it, in his 1989 book Freeing The Whales . The movie Big Miracle is based on the rescue and was released on February 3, 2012. Utqiagvik is roughly 1,300 mi (2,100 km) south of the North Pole . Only 2.6% of

2747-528: The influence of the Gulf Stream , received 44 in (110 cm), or 20 percent more snowfall than Utqiagvik. Snowfall in Utqiagvik has increased in recent years, with an average annual snowfall of 46 in (120 cm) according to the more recent 1991–2020 normals. The annual first snow (defined as snow that will not melt until the next spring) generally falls during the first week of October, when temperatures cease to rise above freezing during

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2814-642: The lower atmosphere, as commonly happens in the interior between the Brooks and the Alaska ranges. Utqiagvik has the lowest average temperatures of cities in Alaska. Although Utqiagvik rarely records the lowest temperatures statewide during cold waves, extremely low wind chill and "white out" conditions from blowing snow are prevalent. Temperatures remain below freezing, 32 F (0 C), from early October through late May, and below 0 °F (−18 °C) from December through March. The high temperature reaches or tops

2881-429: The lowest was −56 °F (−49 °C) on February 3, 1924; the highest minimum was 56 °F (13 °C) on August 5, 2023, while the lowest maximum was −47 °F (−44 °C) on January 3, 1975. On average, during the 1991 to 2020 reference period, the coldest winter maximum was −29 °F (−34 °C) and the warmest summer minimum was 47 °F (8 °C). Utqiagvik records an average 26 days per year where

2948-492: The median income for a family was $ 68,223. Males had a median income of $ 51,959 versus $ 46,382 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 22,902. About 7.7% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 7.2% of those under 18 and 13.1% of those 65 and older. As of December 2022, the city's website says: "The largest city in the North Slope Borough, Utqiagvik, has 4,429 residents, of which approximately 61% are Iñupiat Eskimo." Utqiagvik

3015-464: The military came, setting up a radar station, and in 1947 a science center was founded at Barrow. British Royal Navy officers came to the area to explore and map the Arctic coastline of North America. The US acquired Alaska in 1867 by purchasing it from Russia. The United States Army established a meteorological and magnetic research station at Utqiagvik in 1881. In 1888, a Presbyterian church

3082-543: The name "Otkiawik", which was later misprinted on a British Admiralty chart as "Otkiovik." The former name Barrow was derived from Point Barrow and was originally a general designation because non-native Alaskan residents found it easier to pronounce than the Inupiat name. Point Barrow was named after Sir John Barrow of the British Admiralty by explorer Frederick William Beechey in 1825. A U.S. post office

3149-405: The nation . Although the adjacent Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area is larger in area, it has no borough-level government. The borough is the fourth-least densely populated county-level entity in the United States. The Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area is the least densely populated county-level entity. It shares its eastern border with Yukon , Canada, which has no subdivisions. As of the census of 2020,

3216-468: The northernmost county or equivalent of the United States as a whole. As of the 2020 census , the population was 11,031. The borough seat and largest city, comprising nearly half of the borough’s population, is Utqiaġvik (known as Barrow from 1901 to 2016), the northernmost settlement in the United States . The borough was established in 1972 by an election of the majority Indigenous people in

3283-416: The population was Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 2,109 households, out of which 48.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.3% were married couples living together, 18.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.70% were non-families. 21.4% of all households comprised individuals, and 1.9% had someone who was 65 or older living alone. The average household size

3350-433: The population was Hispanic or Latino of any race. 42.84% reported speaking Iñupiaq or "Eskimo" at home, while 4.21% reported speaking Tagalog . As of the census of 2000, there were 7,385 people. The racial makeup was 17.09% White , 0.72% Black or African American , 68.38% Native American (mostly Iñupiat ), 5.92% Asian , 0.84% Pacific Islander , 0.50% from other races, and 6.55% from two or more races. 2.37% of

3417-409: The population were veterans , and 6.3% were born outside of the United States. The average household size was 3.36 people. 7.9% of the population were under the age of 5, 26.8% were under the age of 18, 65.7% were between the ages of 18 and 64, and 7.5% were aged 65 or older. 62.4% of the population were male and 37.6% were female. 86.2% of households contained a computer, with 69.8% of households having

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3484-478: The prior millenium, as well as to habitation. Thinner sea ice endangers the landing of bowhead whale strikes on offshore ice by springtime whalers. Caribou habitat is also affected while thawing soil threatens homes and municipal and commercial structures. The city's infrastructure is endangered, particularly water, sanitation, power, and road stability. The shoreline is rapidly eroding and has been encroaching on buildings for decades. According to Dr. Harold Wanless of

3551-489: The provisions of the Indian Reorganization Act (IRA) of 1934. An IRA corporation was also created. Utqiagvik was incorporated as a first-class city under the name Barrow in 1958. Natural gas lines were brought to the town in 1965, eliminating the need for traditional heating sources such as whale blubber. The Barrow Duck-In was a civil disobedience event that occurred in the spring of 1961. During

3618-591: The region, following Congressional passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act . Most are Inupiat . The borough was named for the Alaska North Slope basin . In 1974, it adopted a Home Rule Charter , enabling it to exercise any legitimate governmental power. The borough has first-class status and exercises the powers of planning, zoning, taxation, and schools. In 2020, the airline Ravn Alaska went into bankruptcy and ended operations. The government of North Slope Borough attempted to take control of

3685-408: The remaining two seats combine two communities; Anaktuvuk Pass with Kaktovik and Atqasuk with Point Lay. The borough's executive and administrative powers are vested in a mayor, who is limited to two consecutive three-year terms. Former mayor Eugene Brower, Charlotte Brower's husband, was convicted of tax evasion involving contractor kickbacks in the 1980s. Former mayor George Ahmaogak had billed

3752-478: The sun is up for 9 hours, and temperatures begin to warm, although winds are usually higher. Starting on March 23, astronomical night ceases to occur, with only daylight and twilight until the start of the midnight sun in May. This is also true from the end of the midnight sun at the beginning of August until September 22. April brings less extreme temperatures, with an average of 4.0 °F (−15.6 °C), and on April 1,

3819-475: The sun is up for more than 14 hours. By May 1, the sun is up for 19 hours, and by May 10 or 11 (depending on the year's relationship to the nearest leap year), the sun stays above the horizon for the entire day. This phenomenon is known as the midnight sun . The sun does not set for 83 days, until August 1 or 2 (again, depending on the year's relationship to the nearest leap year). In May, temperatures are much warmer, averaging 22.7 °F (−5.2 °C). On June 6,

3886-443: The year is limited, with the fall days being windiest. Extreme winds from 40 to 60 mph (64 to 97 km/h) have been recorded every month. Winds average 12 mph (19 km/h) and are typically from the east. See or edit raw graph data . The Arctic region is warming at a rate that is three times the global average, forcing major adjustments to life on the North Slope with regard to hunting and whaling practices over

3953-407: Was 3.35, and the average family size was 4.80. In Utqiagvik, the age distribution was 27.7% under 18, 13.3% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 3.4% who were 65 or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.5 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 63,094.09, and

4020-517: Was 3.45, and the average family size was 4.05. The borough's population was spread out, with 38.2% under 18, 9.50% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 18.10% from 45 to 64, and 4.2% who were 65 or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.90 males. "Among all North Slope Borough communities, a higher percentage of Nuiqsut households use subsistence resources for more than half of their diet." The borough has

4087-456: Was 60.5% Alaskan Native, 16.2% White, 8.9% Asian, 8.1% from two or more races, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race, 2.3% Pacific Islander, and 0.9% African. In the census of 2000 , 4,683 persons, 1,399 households, and 976 families were reported living in the city. The population density was 249.0 inhabitants per square mile (96.1/km ). There were 1,620 housing units at an average density of 88.1 per square mile (34.0/km ). The racial makeup of

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4154-415: Was a separate community. In 1900, the community reported again as "Cape Smythe Settlements". In 1910, it first reported as Barrow and did so in every successive census to 2010. The community formally incorporated in 1959. The native name Utqiagvik was adopted in 2016 and was used in the 2020 census. In the 2010 United States Census , 4,212 persons were reported living in the city. The city's racial makeup

4221-521: Was built by United States missionaries at Utqiagvik. The church is still in use today. In 1889, a whaling supply and rescue station was built. It is the oldest wood-frame building in Utqiagvik and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . The rescue station was converted in 1896 for use as the retail Cape Smythe Whaling and Trading Station. In the late 20th century, the building

4288-464: Was established in 1901, which helped the name "Barrow" to become dominant. Following a referendum approved by residents on October 6, 2016, the city's name was formally changed from Barrow to Utqiaġvik on December 1, 2016. City Council member Qaiyaan Harcharek said the name change supports the use of the Iñupiaq language and is part of a decolonization process. Another recorded Iñupiaq name

4355-503: Was first elected in a run-off election to serve the rest of Charlotte Brower's second term. Harry K. Brower Jr. ran for a full term as mayor in October 2017 but was forced into a November runoff against his nephew, Frederick Brower, where he easily won a full 3-year term. According to the United States Census Bureau , the borough has a total area of 94,796 square miles (245,520 km ), of which 88,695 square miles (229,720 km )

4422-400: Was named after Evelyn Tuzroyluk Higbee, an influential community leader. Utqiagvik, like many communities in Alaska, has enacted a "damp" law prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages. However, the import, possession, and consumption of such beverages are still allowed. In 1988, Utqiagvik became the center of worldwide media attention when three California gray whales became trapped in

4489-497: Was used as Brower's Cafe. A United States Post Office was opened in 1901. In 1935, famous humorist Will Rogers and pilot Wiley Post made an unplanned stop at Walakpa Bay, 15 mi (24 km) south of Utqiagvik, en route to the city. As they took off again, their plane stalled and plunged into a river, killing them both. Two memorials have been erected at the location, now called the Rogers–Post Site . Another memorial

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