The scenic beauty of Homer may seem a little stark at first as sea meets mountain and fishing boats go about their daily catches, but the air is clean and the environment pristine. Homer is located at 60 degrees North and 151 degrees West on the shores of Kachemak Bay on the southwest portion of the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska. In March, 1964 the coastline and the harbor area of Homer were dramatically affected by the Good Friday Earthquake, but Homer still retains the title of the "Halibut Capital of the World" and that at a time when most of us have forgotten what fresh fish looks like! Those moving to Homer will find an exciting destination.
History:
From historic digs it is thought that the Aluet people were most likely pioneers in the Homer area with fishing their main means of support. In the late 19th century coal was discovered in the area and Homer suddenly sprung up as supply base with a dock, coal mine and railroad was promptly laid on. Homer Penncock was a gold mining company representative who arrived in 1896 and established a base and accommodation for his 50 men on the Homer Spit. His first name, Homer, was bestowed upon the base serving the coal mine and harbor. Unfortunately for Penncock, gold was not a profitable option in the area but coal mining flourished through to the World War II with massive deposits found in the area. Today, halibut and salmon together with sport fishing, commercial fishing, logging and tourism are the main economic drivers of Homer.
Economy:
Today, Homer has a diverse economic base with eco-tourism bringing in more and more visitors. The scenery is magnificent and well worthy of exploring along some world-class hiking trails. Fishing remains important both as a commercial venture and of course recreationally too. Logging, together with its ancillary enterprises also forms an important employment base, and makes an important contribution to local wealth. Click on the Homer Chamber of Commerce for further information and up coming events.
Tourism:
Some nickname Homer the "Cosmic Hamlet by the Sea" among other names. From the first breathtaking glimpse of the Homer Spit along the Sterling Highway as one travels into town, visitors are awe-struck with the "movie-like" stage set which this small city evokes. The inspiring peaks of the Kenai Mountains act as a dramatic backdrop and conceal whole ancient glaciers. The entire area is brimming with abundant wildlife and fishing is still an important source of income as well as an enormous draw card for every tourist. Hiking adventures are also on offer. They say it is the unrivalled natural beauty that draws most folk to Kachemak Bay, and many now make the pilgrimage annually, because it is so inspiring.