Location and Climate
History, Culture and Demographics Holy Cross first had contact with Europeans in the early 1840s, when Russian explorers led by Lt. Zagoskin traveled the Yukon River. They reported "Anilukhtakpak," with 170 people. In 1880, the village was reported as "Askhomute," with 30 residents. A Catholic mission and school were established in the 1880s by Father Aloysius Robaut, who came to Alaska across the Chilkoot Trail. Ingalik Indians migrated to Holy Cross to be near the mission and school. A post office was opened in 1899 under the name "Koserefsky." In 1912, the name of the town was changed to "Holy Cross," after the mission. In the 1930s and 40s, sternwheelers brought the mail and supplies two or three times a year. The course of the River changed during the 1930s, and by the mid-40s, the slough on which the village is now located was formed. The mission Church and many additional buildings were torn down after the boarding school ceased operations in 1956. The City government was incorporated in 1968. A federally recognized tribe is located in the community: Holy Cross Village. 96.5% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native. Holy Cross is an Ingalik Indian village. Subsistence and fishing-related activities are important to residents. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 81 total housing units, and 17 of these were vacant. 1 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care Water is derived from a deep well and is treated. A new backup well, new pump house and water treatment facility have been completed. 71 households and the school are connected to the piped water and sewer system, with a plumbed kitchen. A number of residents in the community still haul water from the washeteria and use honeybuckets or outhouses. A Master Plan is underway to examine and engineer expansion of the system. Landfill improvements are needed. Electricity is provided by AVEC. There is one school located in the community, attended by 60 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include Holy Cross Health Clinic. Economy and Transportation Holy Cross is characterized by a seasonal economy with its peak during the summer fishing season. Approximately 50 full time positions are available in the community, plus summer construction projects. Nine residents hold commercial fishing permits. Subsistence hunting, fishing, trapping and gardening supplement income. The community is dependent upon air and boat transportation. The State owns and operates a 4,000' gravel airstrip. Holy Cross is serviced by barge in the summer. Residents use boats for fishing, subsistence and recreation. 7.5 miles of local roads are used by 3-wheelers, motor bikes, snowmachines and dog teams. Organizations with Local Offices City - City
of Holy Cross, P.O. Box 203, Holy Cross, AK 99602, Phone
907-476-7139, Fax 907-476-7141 Regional Organizations School District
- Iditarod Area Schools, P.O. Box 90, McGrath, AK 99627, Phone
907-524-3033, Fax 907-524-3217, E-mail: gheitz@iditarodsd.org |