Whittier: A Town of Only One Building Established by the U.S. Army During World War II
Nestled between the towering mountains and the pristine waters of Prince William Sound, Whittier, Alaska, stands out as one of the most unusual towns in America. Known as the "town under one roof," Whittier’s unique structure was conceived during World War II by the U.S. Army, a strategic move that has left a lasting imprint on this remote Alaskan locale. The Birth of Whittier Whittier was established by the U.S. Army in 1943 as a secret military base. The site was chosen for its strategic location, providing a safe harbor with easy access to the Pacific Ocean yet shielded by the surrounding mountains. This made it an ideal spot for a military outpost to protect against potential Japanese attacks during the war. The Hodge Building and the Begich Towers The central feature of Whittier’s design was the construction of a massive building to house nearly all of the town’s essential functions. Originally named the Hodge Building, this structure later became known as t...
