Whittier, Alaska: A Small Town Inside This Building


(Photo: Begich Towers by Reed Young)

In 1956, the US Army built this building as a barracks. The Army is gone now, but the town that grew up around the small base still lives there. Almost all of the residents of Whittier, Alaska live in it, which they call Begich Towers. Inside, you can find a school, a church, shops, a police station, and a laundromat.


(Photo: Whittier’s indoor playground by Reed Young)

Winters are brutal. Whittier usually gets about 250 inches of snow. Winds can reach speeds of 60 MPH. So people often stay indoors for most of the winter. Erin Sheehy and Reed Young of California Sunday Magazine visited this fascinating little community and photographed how the people of it have adapted to the harsh environment.

-via Nag on the Lake


Newest 3
Newest 3 Comments


This reminds me of 1.3 km (0.8 mi)-long, 50-m (164-ft)-tall "Le Mur" or "The Wall" of Fermont, Quebec, Canada: a huge self-contained structure with apartments, schools, hotel, restaurants, and stores inside. The giant structure protects the people of the town bedhing it from the frigid arctic winds.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"Whittier, Alaska: A Small Town Inside This Building"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More