This booming community boasts the most productive seafood processing port in the U.S., with five large processing facilities and ships from countries throughout the world. It was a pivotal military location during World War II and was bombed by the Japanese in 1942. Ulakta Head, newly designated by the U.S. Congress as a Heritage Area, (formerly known as a national park), will provide visitors with a focal point for the study of the Aleutian Campaign.

Other historic sites include the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Ascension and the Bishop's House. The church, parts of which were built in 1825 is the oldest in the U.S. and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The church was rededicated in September, 1996, after phase one of a major restoration was completed. The church hosts one of the largest collections of religious artifacts and icons in the U.S.