Alaska's cities
North Pole, Alaska
Santa Claus plays big role, but so do refinery and Air Force base
Alaska.com
The name "North Pole" is well suited for an Alaska town, even if the town is 1,750 miles from its namesake at the top of the world.
North Pole, population 1,600, is located 14 miles southeast of Fairbanks on the Richardson Highway. It is the town closest to Eielson Air Force Base.
Moderate rainfall, dry air, and long hours of daylight during the summer characterize North Pole. Extreme seasonal temperature differences are typical of the Interior. Temperatures have been recorded as low as minus 78 in midwinter and as high as 93 in summer. Annual precipitation is 11.2 inches.
North Pole is renowned as the "home of Santa Claus," and the Santa Claus House is a year-round attraction. Letters from children all over the world are mailed to North Pole at Christmas each year.
Many North Pole residents commute to Fairbanks and to Eielson Air Force Base. An oil refinery produces heating fuel, jet fuel and other products. Nine residents hold commercial fishing permits. Santa's helpers are hired to respond to the thousands of letters mailed to North Pole each Christmas.
The Alaska Railroad runs through the center of North Pole, carrying only cargo.
The town is accessible, via the Interior road system, to Anchorage, Canada and the lower 48 states. Bradley Sky Ranch offers public access to its 4,093-foot treated gravel runway. There are four additional privately owned airstrips in North Pole. Fairbanks International Airport is also nearby.
Seven percent of the population is Alaska Native or part Native.
North Pole is part of the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
History
In 1944, Bon Davis homesteaded the area. Dahl and Gaske Development Co. later bought the Davis homestead, subdivided it and named it North Pole, hoping to attract a toy manufacturer who would advertise products as being made in North Pole. The Santa Claus House was subsequently developed by the Miller family.
The city was incorporated in 1953. Growth from Fairbanks and Eielson Air Force Base have increased development over the years.
Source: Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development
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