Tok is often referred to as the “Gateway to Alaska,” because it is the first major community in Alaska when heading north. The area was originally settled by Athabascan Indians and the name “Tok” is thought to be derived from an Athabascan word meaning “Peaceful Crossing.”

The population of Tok is approximately 1400 and is the trading center for several Athabascan Native Villages.  A recent addition to Tok, at the junction across from Mainstreet Visitor Center, is the Tok Memorial Park, tables, barbecue, swings, and a play area. Day use area only. 

Tok is located between the Tanana River (to the north) and the Alaska Range (to the southwest). It is the first town in Alaska, for visitors traveling the Alaska Highway.

The highway traveler will pass through Tok twice, once coming into the state and once again leaving Alaska. Because Tok is the only community that can boast this fact, and considers itself to be goodwill ambassador for the state, Governor Walter J. Hickel proclaimed Tok as “Mainstreet, Alaska”. A distinction it will carry into the future. A logo and Tok’s own flag have been designed as part of this theme.

Tok Map (PDF)

History
Tok’s short history began in 1942 as an Alaska Road Commission camp for construction and maintenance of the Alaska Highway and it has never looked back. Those working on the highway spent so much money in the camps erection and maintenance that it earned the name “Million Dollar Camp.” In 1944 a branch of the Northern Commercial Company was opened and in 1946 Tok was established as a presidential town site. With the completion of the Alaska Highway a post office and a roadhouse were built. In 1947 the first school was opened and in 1958 a larger school was built to accommodate the newcomers.

In July of 1990, Tok faced extinction when a lightning-caused forest fire jumped two rivers and the Alaska Highway, putting both residents and buildings in peril. The town was evacuated and even the efforts of over a thousand firefighters could not stop the fire. At the last minute a “miracle wind” (so labelled by Tok’s residents) came up, diverting the fire just short of the first building. Evidence of the burn can be seen on both sides of the highway just east of Tok.