This partial list of city nicknames in Alaska compiles the aliases, sobriquets and slogans that cities and towns in Alaska are known by (or have been known by historically), officially and unofficially, to municipal governments, local people, outsiders or their tourism boards or chambers of commerce.
City nicknames can help establish a civic identity, help outsiders recognize a community, attract people to a community because of its nickname, promote civic pride, and build community unity.
Nicknames and slogans that successfully create a new community "ideology or myth" are also believed to have economic value. This value is difficult to measure, but there are anecdotal reports of cities that have achieved substantial economic benefits by "branding" themselves with new slogans.
Some unofficial nicknames are positive, while others are derisive. The unofficial nicknames listed here have been in use for a long time or have gained wide currency. Anchorage Air Crossroads of the World Anchortown The City of Lights and Flowers (or City of Lights) Hanging Basket Capital of the World Los Anchorage Rage City (in reference to roller derby and punk culture) Stanky Anky Cordova Clam Town Fairbanks – The Golden Heart CityRebecca George, The Golden Heart City celebrates its golden past , Fairbanks Daily News Miner, August 6, 2009. Scarebanks Squarebanks Haines – Eagle Capital of AmericaClaims to Fame - Birds , Epodunk, accessed April 16, 2007. Homer Halibut Capital of the World; Halibut Fishing Capital of the WorldHomer, Alaska , accessed March 29, 2007. "Homer, Alaska, is considered the halibut capital of the world -- or so locals claim." Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea Kenai – The Village With a Past, the City With a FutureKenai, Alaska website , accessed March 29, 2007. Ketchikan – King Salmon Capital of the World"A Fleet of Ferry Ships to Offer Motorists a 'Marine' Highway to Skagway, Alaska; Enthusiasm Shown Summer Side Trip", The New York Times, March 8, 1963. "The Ferry Ships put in along The route at Ketchikan, 'The king salmon capital of The world'..."Claims to Fame - Fish , Epodunk, accessed April 16, 2007. Knik – Dog-Mushing Center of the WorldKnik - Fairview Alaska , accessed March 29, 2007. "Knik is a check-point for the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, and is called the 'Dog Mushing Center of the World.'" Kodiak – King Crab CapitalClaims to Fame - Food , Epodunk, accessed April 16, 2007. Sitka First City of AlaskaA Prairie Home Companion at Sea: Alaska 2006 , accessed March 29, 2007. The Natural Place to VisitSitka Convention & Visitors Bureau , accessed March 29, 2007.Tagline Guru City Branding Survey , Tagline Guru website, accessed August 18, 2009 The Rock
See also List of city nicknames in the United States List of places in Alaska
References