McGrath Alaska

Population: 415

Location and Climate
McGrath is located 221 miles northwest of Anchorage and 269 miles southwest of Fairbanks in Interior Alaska. It is adjacent to the Kuskokwim River directly south of its confluence with the Takotna River. It lies at approximately 62.956390° North Latitude and -155.59583° West Longitude. (Sec. 18, T033N, R033W, Seward Meridian.) McGrath is located in the Mt. McKinley Recording District. The area encompasses 48.9 sq. miles of land and 5.7 sq. miles of water. The McGrath area has a cold, continental climate. Average summer temperatures range from 62 to 80, winters temperatures can range from -64 to 0. Precipitation is light, averaging 10 inches per year, including an average snowfall of 86 inches. The Kuskokwim River is generally ice-free from June through October.

History, Culture and Demographics
McGrath was a seasonal Upper Kuskokwim Athabascan village which was used as a meeting and trading place for Big River, Nikolai, Telida and Lake Minchumina residents. The Old Town McGrath site, was originally located across the river. In 1904, Abraham Appel established a trading post at the old site. In 1906, gold was discovered in the Innoko District, and at Ganes Creek in 1907. Since McGrath is the northernmost point on the Kuskokwim River accessible by large riverboats, it became a regional supply center. By 1907, a town was established, and was named for Peter McGrath, a local U.S. Marshal. In 1909, the Alaska Commercial Company opened a store. The Iditarod Trail also contributed to McGrath's role as a supply center. From 1911 to 1920, hundreds of people walked and mushed over the Trail on their way to the Ophir gold districts. Mining sharply declined after 1925. After a major flood in 1933, some residents decided to move to the south bank of the River. Changes in the course of the River eventually left the old site on a slough, useless as a river stop. In 1937, the Alaska Commercial Company opened a store at the new location. In 1940, an airstrip was cleared, the FAA built a communications complex, and a school was opened. McGrath became an important refueling stop during World War II, as part of the Lend-Lease Program between the U.S. and Russia. In 1964, a new high school was built, attracting boarding students from nearby villages. The City was incorporated in 1975. A federally recognized tribe is located in the community -- the McGrath Native Village; Medfra Traditional Council (not recognized). 54.6% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native. Slightly more than half of the population are Athabascans and Eskimos. As a regional center, McGrath offers a variety of employment opportunities, but subsistence remains an important part of the local culture. About 10 families in town have dog teams which they enter into the Iditarod, Kuskokwim 300, and Mail Trail 200 sled dog races. During the 2000 U.S. Census, there were 213 total housing units, and 68 were vacant. 14 of these vacant housing units are used only seasonally. 206 residents were employed. The unemployment rate at that time was 10.43%, although 27.97% of all adults were not in the work force. The median household income was $43,056, per capita income was $21,553, and 9.8% of residents were living below the poverty level.

Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care
McGrath operates a piped water system that serves nearly all 178 households; a few homes have individual wells or haul water. The FAA operates its own water system. Individual septic tanks are used by the majority of residents; a limited City sewage system serves approximately 34 homes. Funds have been requested to expand the piped sewer system to the 144 houses and businesses currently using septic tanks. A private firm, McGrath Trash & Refuse, collects refuse for disposal at the City landfill. Electricity is provided by McGrath Light & Power. There are 2 schools located in the community, attended by 181 students. Local hospitals or health clinics include McGrath Health Center (524-3299). The clinic is a qualified Emergency Care Center. Specialized Care: Four Rivers Counseling Center. McGrath is classified as an isolated town/Sub-Regional Center, it is found in EMS Region 1C in the Interior Region. Emergency Services have river, floatplane and air access. Emergency service is provided by 911 Telephone Service, volunteers and a health aide. Auxiliary health care is provided by Kuskokwim Valley Rescue Squad (524-3299/9111).

Economy and Transportation
McGrath functions as a transportation, communications, and supply center in Interior Alaska. It has a diverse cash economy, and many families rely upon subsistence. Salmon, moose, caribou, bear, and rabbits are utilized. Some residents trap and tend gardens. The Nixon Fork gold mine, located 30 miles northeast of McGrath, ceased operating due to low gold prices. There are no road connections to McGrath, but local roads are used by ATVs and trucks. Winter trails are marked to Nikolai (50 mi.) and Takotna (20 mi.) Residents rely on air service and barges to deliver cargo. Air facilities include a State-owned 5,435' long by 150' wide asphalt runway with a 1,720' long by 100' wide crosswind landing strip, and a seaplane base on the Kuskokwim River. The airport is currently undergoing major improvements. There is no dock, however, a boat launch ramp is available.

Source: State of Alaska, Department of Community and Economic Development.

McGrath Alaska Links
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Takusko House
Located in McGrath Alaska, Takusko House is heralded as the "finest lodging on the Iditarod Trail". The lodge is named after the merging of the Takotna and mighty Kuskokwim rivers.
http://www.takuskohouse.com/

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