The railroad spur was completed in 1943, and the Whittier Port became the entrance for troops and dependents of the Alaska Command. The huge buildings that dominate Whittier began construction in 1948. The City was incorporated in 1969. The Begich Building is now a condominium, and house nearly all of Whittier's residents. The community is primarily non-Native.
Residents enjoy sport-fishing, commercial fishing and subsistence activities.
During the April 1990 U.S. Census, there were 265 total housing units, and 153 of these were vacant. 126 jobs were estimated to be in the community. Facilities, Utilities, Schools and Health Care Water is derived from a well and reservoir. Water storage capacity is 1.2 million gallons. The older portions of the City sewer system need replacement.