Alaska Village Electric Cooperative

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Holy Cross

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Original power plant

Holy Cross is located in Interior Alaska on the west bank of Ghost Creek Slough off the Yukon River. It is 40 miles northwest of Aniak and 420 miles southwest of Fairbanks. Holy Cross is located in the Kuskokwim Recording District. Holy Cross first had contact with Europeans in the early 1840s, when Russian explorers led by Lt. Zagoskin traveled the Yukon River. They reported "Anilukhtakpak," with 170 people. In 1880, the village was reported as "Askhomute," with 30 residents. A Catholic mission and school were established in the 1880s by Father Aloysius Robaut, who came to Alaska across the Chilkoot Trail. Ingalik Indians migrated to Holy Cross to be near the mission and school. A post office was opened in 1899 under the name "Koserefsky." In 1912, the name of the town was changed to "Holy Cross," after the mission. In the 1930s and 40s, sternwheelers brought the mail and supplies two or three times a year. The course of the River changed during the 1930s, and by the mid-40s, the slough on which the village is now located was formed. The mission Church and many additional buildings were torn down after the boarding school ceased operations in 1956. The City government was incorporated in 1968.


Upgraded tank farm

Original tank farm - before upgrade

Summer fun

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Holy Cross Facts

Community Profile

Community Facilities

Economy

Holy Cross is characterized by a seasonal economy. Nine residents hold commercial fishing permits. Subsistence hunting, fishing, trapping and gardening supplement income.

Culture and Activities

A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Holy Cross Village. The population of the community consists of 96.5% Alaska Native or part Native.  Holy Cross is an Ingalik Indian village. Subsistence and fishing-related activities are important to residents. The sale of alcohol is banned in the village. Residents use boats for fishing, subsistence and recreation. 7.5 miles of local roads are used by 3-wheelers, motor bikes, snowmachines and dog teams.

Climate

Community Weather

clear below 12,000 ft   Clear, 46°F

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