The Alaskan territory was purchased by the United States from Russia on October 18, 1867 for a mere $7.2 million. Many were starting to discover the abundant natural resources that were there. Before the very first salmon canneries opened in Southeast Alaska in 1878, there were already a few cod and salmon salteries in Klawock, located on the west coast of Prince of Whales Island. In 1869, one was operated by George Hamilton and was called Hamilton’s Fishery, where they caught and brined the fish in salt which were then packed into barrels and sold. They also produced cod oil … Continue reading Alaskan Salmon Canneries Open in 1878