A city like no other is located in one of the most remote areas in the United States.
All its residents live, work and socialize under one roof, navigating their daily lives within the walls of a single 14-storey building.
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This is Whittier, Alaska, home to all 263 residents and the famous Begitch Towers.
Built during the Cold War as an army barracks, the building now serves as an independent community center, apartments, post office, grocery store, health clinic, church, and even a police station.
This unique living arrangement creates a sense of camaraderie among residents and promotes a lifestyle that blends seclusion and connection.
But Whittier's appeal lies not only in its picturesque community, but also in its rich history and strategic importance as a gateway to the Alaskan wilderness.
Whittier's story begins with the indigenous Chugach people, who used the area as a crucial transportation route to reach Turnagain Arm.
This natural corridor connects the waters of Prince William Sound to the Alaskan interior, enabling trade and transportation.
In the mid-20th century, Whittier's role shifted dramatically.
During World War II, the US Army recognized the city's strategic location.
Surrounded by mountains and often shrouded in cloud, Whittier was an ideal, almost invisible port for military operations.
The construction of the Federal Railroad in 1943 enhanced its importance, allowing goods, troops, and supplies to be transported efficiently.
Two distinct buildings define Whittier's wartime legacy: the now-abandoned Buckner Building, once called a “city under one roof” for its independent facilities, and the still-thriving Begich Towers, originally built to house military personnel.
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The city's resilience was tested in 1964, when the Good Friday earthquake — the most powerful earthquake in North American history — unleashed a tsunami that caused major devastation.
Despite the devastation, Whittier was rebuilt and transitioned from a military base to a civilian town, and was incorporated as a city in 1969.
Under one roof
Begich Towers is not just an apartment building but also the heartbeat of Whittier.
Within its walls are basic services such as a grocery store, school, post office, and even the city police department.
This centralization is practical, especially given Whittier's often harsh subarctic climate, where heavy snow and strong winds can isolate the city for weeks.
Residents describe life at Begic Towers as comfortable and community-based.
Common areas encourage social interaction, and the building hosts frequent events, from barbecues to holiday celebrations.
Close quarters foster strong relationships, making Whittier feel like an extended family.
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Scenic background
Whittier's location at the head of the Passage Canal offers stunning views of the Chugach Mountains and Prince William Sound.
It is part of the Chugach National Forest, the second largest national forest in the United States, and is home to diverse wildlife, including sea otters, seals, and humpback whales.
The city's subarctic climate is characterized by abundant precipitation, with approximately 200 inches of rain annually, making it one of the wettest places in the United States.
Winters are cool but mild due to the ocean, while summers are cool and ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Whittier's location also places it in a seismically active area.
The 1964 earthquake remains a pivotal event in its history, reshaping its geography and infrastructure.
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Getting to Whittier is an adventure in itself.
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, a 2.5-mile-long engineering marvel, connects the city to the rest of Alaska.
This single-lane tunnel is the longest highway tunnel in North America and alternates between vehicular and train traffic on a set schedule.
Opened to cars in 2000, the tunnel has transformed access to Whittier, stimulating tourism and making the city a major launching point for cruises across Prince William Sound.
The ice-free deepwater port of Whittier also plays a vital role in Alaska's economy.
It supports commercial fishing, freight transportation, and tourism, while also serving as a major terminus for the Alaska Marine Highway.
Tourism has become a cornerstone of Whittier's economy.
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Each summer the city welcomes more than 700,000 visitors eager to explore the fjords, glaciers and wildlife of Prince William Sound.
The protected waters of Passage Channel make it a magnet for kayaking and glacier cruising, attracting adventurers from all over the world.
Today, Whittier serves as a quiet home for its residents and a bustling hub for tourists exploring Alaska's wilderness.
The city's combination of isolation and togetherness creates a lifestyle that is as distinctive as its geography.
From its origins as a local port to its development as a strategic military base and gateway to the modern era, Whittier's story is one of resilience and community.
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