They used it as a fishing camp for the summer period, and called it by several different names: Klawerak, Tlevak, Clevak, and Klawak.

Its founders and many volunteers built the Town Hall and a community center in 1939, during the Great Depression.

In 1929 the town was incorporated as a city, and in 1934 Congress awarded federal funding for the expansion of the cannery, on the condition that the community remains liquor-free.

At the same time, the Klawock Cooperative Association (a nonprofit organization) was formed to manage the cannery.

It continued to report as Klawak in 1890–1910, with the alternative spelling of "Klawock" first appearing in the latter census.

This industry enhances the runs of salmon, including sockeye, coho, and steelhead.

Klawock has a harbor, often used by tourists as a departure point for trips or boating exploration of the bays, inlets, and surrounding islands.

Each February 16, the ANB/ANS organizations sponsor the "Elizabeth Peratrovich Celebration" with ceremonies and a potluck, honoring the anniversary of the passage of the landmark legislation.

In 1998 the city commissioned the construction of a Long House (named Gaanì Ax Adi) with a new totem pole.

The Head Start school (three- to four-year-olds) is run by the Tlingit and Haida Central Council.

It receives charters and daily scheduled passenger service from Ketchikan from Island Air Express.

The first ship to dock there was the Seabourn Odyssey, on an 80 day cruise that began in Sydney.