Ketchikan: Alaska’s fourth largest city is located on Revillagigedo Island, 235 miles south of Juneau and 90 miles north of Prince Rupert, British Columbia.
Ketchikan derived its name from a Tlingit Language and there is a long-standing controversy as to it’s meaning. One translation is "the creek of the thundering wings of an eagle". Another is "eagles with spread out wings". The creek flows through the town emptying into the Tongass Narrows and was originally an Indian fishing camp. Settlement of Ketchikan began with interest in mining and fishing with the first salmon cannery opening in 1886.
Gold, silver and copper mining created a booming mining town when gold was discovered nearby in 1898. The mining waned and by 1930 Ketchikan earned the title of "Salmon Capital of the World".
Ketchikan’s annual rainfall makes it one of the wettest spots on the continent. With an average annual rainfall of 169 inches it is also called the "Rain Capital of Alaska". Most of this rain falls during the winter months.
Ketchikan has also been called Alaska’s "First City" because it is the first city along the Inside Passage. However, Ketchikan residents will tell you "First City" refers to its place in their hearts, a place held because of its rich cultural heritage and continuing respect for the influence of the true first residents, the Tlingit Indians.