Overview
Ketchikan calls itself "Alaska's First City" because it is often the first Alaska port cruise ships reach heading north.
History
Cruise tourism grew alongside the decline of the timber industry and became the town's main summer economy.
Today
Ships bring large daily crowds in summer, with seasonal jobs in tourism, transportation and port security.
Compiled October 2026. History is summarized for general interest; check primary sources for research. This landmark is local context, not an employer or job listing.