Wales is a city in the Nome Census Area of Alaska in the United States.  Current population estimates that there are 168 people who live in the area.  What is unique about this city is that we have some pretty accurate ideas as to how long people have been in the area.  There is a burial mound from the Birnirk Culture which places the timeline around 500-900AD and it’s now a National Historic Landmark. What makes this prehistoric culture so interesting is their advanced harpoon technology as well as other marine technology.  From a geographical perspective Wales, Alaska is probably one of the more significant areas in North America.  Not only is it the host of the Bering Land Bridge theory it would have played host to those crossing over as the first piece of land they would have hit coming into current day North America.  It’s located at the Northern end of the Continental Divide, just a little over 50 miles away from Russia’s mainland.

Being the Westernmost point of land on the North American Continent makes this area significant from a geographical stand point.  If you do find yourself in the area you need to make sure you check out the Wales Sites National Historic Landmark.  It’s made up of two archaeological sites that go back almost 2000 years. 

Population: 168
Elevation: 26ft (8m)

Things to Do

Places to Stay

  • Teacher Housing
  • The Winter Apartment