Valdez has played a major role in recent Alaska history. Here are just a few of the significant historic events it has seen:
1898 | Gold Rush Stampede
1964 | 5 minute, 9.2 measured earthquake (Good Friday Quake)
1970's |Construction of Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline & Marine Terminal
1989 | Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and Cleanup
1989/90 | 47 feet of snow (1989/1990).
VALDEZ LOCATION
Situated at the head of a deep, stillwater fjord in the northeast section of Prince William Sound, Valdez is surrounded by the Chugach Mountains. They are the most heavily glaciated mountains in the Northwest. Valdez is the northernmost ice-free port in North America. The town covers 274 square miles. As of 2000, the population was 4,100.
ACCESS
BY LAND — Valdez is accessible by the Richardson Highway.
BY AIR — Valdez is serviced daily, year-round by two regional airlines.
BY WATER — Major cruise lines, day cruise boats, and a regional ferry keep Valdez connected via Prince William Sound.
EVENTS
Valdez Fish Derbies, July 4th Celebrations, Last Frontier Theater Conference, Gold Rush Days, Softball & Basketball Tournaments, Ice Climbing Festival, Chugach Mountain Festival with the World Free Skiing Competition, Mayor's Cup Cross Country Snowmobile Race, Mountain Man Snowmobile Hill Climb Competition, Alaska Big Mountain Masters Extreme Snowboard Competition, Alaska Local Snowboard Competition, KVAK WInterfest & Frosty Fever, and much more!
INDUSTRY
Oil, tourism, commerical fishing, seafood processing, shipping, city & state government, and post-secondary education.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Many full-service hotels, bed & breakfasts, and RV campgrounds.
MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS: Valdez has a full-service Convention & Civic Center with 20,000 square feet of meet/convention, exhibit, and theater space. This facility is perfect for groups of up to 500 people.
VISITOR INFORMATION: The Valdez Visitor Information Center is located at the corner of Egan and Chenega and is open year round. For additional information on meetings and conventions, group tour needs, or visitor activities and services please call, 907-835-4636.
