Capt. James Cook gets credit for naming Anchor Point. Cook lost an anchor while maneuvering the inlet's strong tides in the 1700s. The spot where he lost the anchor was indicated on charts simply as "anchor point."
Gold sparked attention to the area in the 1800s. Homesteading opportunities were the attraction in the 1940s.
Anchor Point Senior Center is an active force in the community. It offers dinner every Thursday, breakfast one Sunday a month, organizes bingo nights and collects and disperses items to individuals in need.
Summer officially begins with the Memorial Weekend Family Fun Festival. Barbecues, breakfasts, games and music are just part of the activities organized for visitors eager to fish in the Anchor River or the salt water of Cook Inlet. Until late in the fall, anglers line the riverbanks and fish for halibut and salmon in the inlet. In June, youngsters compete in the Kids Fishing Derby. In July, the community celebrates Independence Day with a parade and barbecue.
Golfers sharpen their swing at a nine-hole golf course. Motocross races attract racers of all ages. During the winter, snowmachine racing heats up. The Snow Rondi is a popular wintertime activity, including indoor and outdoor events for all ages.
Two art galleries are near mile 161 of the Sterling Highway. The Ben Firth Studio represents members of the Firth family who have won awards for their antler, wood and ice carvings; bronze sculptures; paintings and pencil drawings. The Norman Lowell Studio and Gallery feature paintings by Lowell ranging in size, from small to immense.
For more information:
• Anchor Point Chamber of Commerce: 235-260
• info@anchorpointchamber.org
• http://anchorpointchamber.org/.
• Anchor Point Senior Center: 235-7786
• State campground information: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/index.htm.
