Current Population: 328 (2007 DCCED Certified Population)
Brevig Mission is located at the mouth of Shelman Creek on Port Clarence, 5 miles
northwest of Teller and 65 miles northwest of Nome. Brevig Mission is located
in the Cape Nome Recording District. The area encompasses 2.6 sq. miles of land
and 0.1 sq. miles of water. Brevig Mission has a maritime climate with continental
influences when the Bering Sea freezes. Summer temperatures average 44 to 57
degrees Fahrenheit. Winter temperatures average -9 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit. Annual
precipitation averages 11.5 inches and annual snowfall averages 50 inches. Port
Clarence is generally ice-free between early June and mid-November.
The Kauwerak Eskimos in this area lived in migratory communities in pursuit of
hunting and fishing grounds, and traded furs with Siberia, Little Diomede and
King Island. They formed alliances with Wales, Little Diomede and others for
protection. The "Teller Reindeer Station" opened near this site in 1892; it was operated by the U.S. government until 1900. The Norwegian Rev. Tollef L. Brevig, a pioneer Lutheran missionary, began serving the reindeer station on August 1, 1894, as pastor and teacher to the Laplanders and Eskimos. Rev. Brevig traveled between villages by dog team along the beach, and often performed services in Nome. A Lutheran Mission was constructed at the present site in 1900, and the village became known as "Teller Mission." The mission was given 100 reindeer on a five-year loan from the Government. By 1906, the Government's role had diminished, and the mission became dominant. In 1963, the Brevig Mission post office was established. The City was incorporated in 1969. Reindeer were the economic base of this community until 1974, but the industry has since declined.
The
information provided on this page was obtained from:
The
Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development, Community Database Online |
