Whittier is a small town with a unique and rare characteristic: nearly all residents live in the same 14-story apartment building.
Nestled among the majestic mountains and deep bays of Prince William Sound, Alaska, Whittier is a small town with distinctive features unlike anywhere else in the United States. It serves not only as a stop on the journey to explore Alaska’s wilderness but also as a home to people living apart from the outside world, in a closed community.
With a population of only 272 people as of 2020, Whittier is notable for its isolation as well as for its life almost entirely contained within a single apartment building – Begich Towers.
About 90% of the town’s population lives in Begich Towers.
Begich Towers, a 14-story building in this frozen landscape, is the center of life in Whittier. About 90% of the town’s population lives in Begich Towers, a self-sufficient community that not only serves as housing but also provides essential services such as a post office, police station, general store, laundry, health clinic, and even the mayor’s office. All are under one roof.
This tower is not an ordinary residential project; it was originally built in 1957 to serve the United States Army as a military barracks. When military priorities shifted, Begich Towers was transformed into civilian housing. However, the military footprint remains deeply imprinted in the town’s history.
The town’s deep-water port, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges.
Whittier was developed during World War II as a vital logistics base for the United States Army. The town’s deep-water port, surrounded by towering mountains, became an ideal location for military operations due to its natural protection. After the war, plans to expand the military complex here were not completed, leaving only two large buildings: Begich Towers, which still stands as a symbol of the town, and Buckner Building, which is now abandoned.
However, life in Whittier is not solely influenced by its military legacy; it is also shaped by its geographic isolation. The town has only one road connecting it to the outside world – the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel – making travel to and from Whittier a challenging journey.
The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, measuring 2.5 miles long, is the only road link between Whittier and Anchorage, as well as the rest of Alaska. Notably, this tunnel is shared by both vehicles and trains. Traveling through this long tunnel further emphasizes Whittier’s isolation, as each trip in or out of the town depends on alternating between the two modes of transport.
Traveling through this long tunnel further emphasizes Whittier’s isolation.
Former resident Harold P., who lived in Whittier from 1974 to 1986, recalls that before the tunnel was built, traveling was even harder. “You had to drive onto a train car and pay a hefty fare to get out of town. Although Anchorage is only 55 miles away, it feels much farther when you have to cross two mountain ranges,” Harold shared. This not only affected daily life but also created significant challenges in accessing healthcare and emergency services.
Life in Whittier is heavily influenced by both its history and the harsh natural conditions of Alaska. Winters here are long, dark, and snowy, making travel and daily activities difficult. “Winters are really long and dark,” Harold said, emphasizing the sense of isolation both geographically and mentally throughout the winter months.
Nevertheless, the natural environment around Whittier also offers many fantastic recreational opportunities, especially in the summer. Outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching attract not only residents but also visitors from beyond. Those who love pristine nature and tranquility will find a unique paradise here.
Aside from geographic isolation, living in Begich Towers also provides a different sense of personal space. This not only affects social life but also poses challenges for law enforcement.
Those who love pristine nature and tranquility will find a unique paradise here.
Despite the many challenges of life in Whittier, it continues to attract some individuals, especially those seeking peace and wanting to escape the noise of big cities. Some, like Harold, have complex memories of life here, but for others, Whittier is an appealing destination.
The most significant change for this town may have come in 2000 when the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel was opened, improving access to Whittier. While this made life easier for residents and visitors, it also raised questions about how Whittier can maintain its unique identity as the outside world gradually becomes closer.
The isolation of Whittier is a key factor contributing to its charm, but it also presents significant challenges for its residents. With a large portion of the population living under one roof, this small town has become a unique model of community living in one of the most remote places in the United States.
