Things to do / Travel Guide
The Alaska Panhandle has a rich and varied history due to the many inhabitants that have graced its shores, as well as due to its abundant natural resources of oil and gold. Visitors have a wealth of excellent historical sites from which to learn about the past glory of this great region, as well as to see that this glory is far from over!
Alaska Panhandle Historic Tour – from Petroglyphs to the Gold Rush
Begin the historical journey with Petroglyphs from the pre-historic era. The early inhabitants of the area carved rock drawings, 40 of which are well preserved on Petroglyph Beach. The site is approximately one mile from the Wrangell Ferry Terminal.
Totems provide more recent insight into the customs and heritage of the native Tlingit, Tsimshian and Haida people. A collection of rare and restored totem poles are displayed at the Totem Heritage Center near Ketchican. Nearby, Totem Bight State Historical Site gives the visitor the bonus of breathtaking coastline and rain forest overlooks.
And then the Russians came. And they stayed for 100 years. Visit the Russian Bishop's House in Sitka National Historical Park for some great scenery and to visit one of the few Colonial Russian buildings in North America. Elsewhere in Sitka National Historical Park, Tlingit Fort is the site of battle between the Russians and the Alaskan natives.
And then the Russians left and (in that order), the Americans discovered gold. The A-J Mine/Gastineau Mill is no longer operational, but visitors get an authentic taste of an Alaskan gold rush operation. It's a hands-on, hardhat wearing, underground experience.
Totem Bight State Historical Site
Located 10 miles north of Ketchikan via the North Tongass Highway, Totem Bight is a state historical park where visitors can view restored and re-carved totems as well as a colorful community house. Almost as impressive are the beautiful woods and the coastline. There is a great viewing deck that overlooks the Tongass Narrows, with its surprisingly lush rainforest adjoining the rocky coastline.
Sitka National Historical Park
Sitka National Historical Park was first established in 1910 in order to commemorate the 1804 “Battle of Sitka.” The only relic that still remains of the last major battle between Alaskan natives and European settlers is this site of the Tlingit Fort and battlefield, contained within this beautiful, scenic 113-acre park. Visitors can expect to find fantastic southeast Alaska totem poles, native artists creating traditional arts and tours of the Russian Bishop's House also found here. A visit to this park will provide a one-of-a-kind cultural encounter, along with gorgeous scenery all along the park's coastal path. The park is open year-round, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Historical Sites in Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway, and the Alaska Panhandle
Historical-Sites
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