European exploration of this area began in 1775 by Don Juan Francisco Bodega y Quadra, a Spanish explorer.  The British explorer, Captain James Cook sought the Northwest Passage in 1778.   In 1790 Captain George Vancouver began documenting the area with journals and detailed charts.

Many of the names in the region reflect these early explorers and inhabitants.  It wasn't until the early 1900's that commercial development of the island began.  One of the very first canneries was built in Klawock, a nearby town, in 1878.

 
Tlingit and Haida Indians came to Craig, which was originally called Fish Egg Island, to gather herring roe in the spring and later they set up a temporary fish camp. Craig was once an island itself and is now connected by a causeway.

 
Craig is the largest town on the island, boasting about 2000 people.   Hydro power comes from Black Bear Lake.  There is a sewage treatment plant and telephone service in almost every town on the island.

 Craig has a video store, grocery store, clothing and gift stores as well as several eating establishments, medical center, two banks, a library and a thrift shop, a hardware store, a laundromat, marine stores, bookstore and pharmacy.

Mineral exploration began in the mid to late 1800's and many of the claims still remain.  Not only did the gold mining industry peak during these years, but copper, silver, palladium, lead, uranium and zinc were also found here.

Limestone has been found on Wadleigh Island and El Capitan Peak.  During the early 1900’s a flurry of mining was supported here on the island and logging became a major industry.

Most of the roads on the island were initially built to haul the logs to ports for commercial sale, then on to Japan.  Thus the timber industry became an integral connection to many smaller island communities.  Presently there are about 1500 miles of roads, one half of which are maintained.  The most traveled roadway is between Craig and Hollis.  Roads lead to Hollis, Hydaburg, Thorne Bay, Naukati. Many of the gravel logging roads are also accessible to explore this massive terrain.