10 Historical Landmarks You Absolutely Must Visit In Alaska
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Carey Seward
Author
These historic landmarks in Alaska are truly as fascinating and unique as the history of Alaska. Visit sites of military, cultural and social importance while experiencing the gorgeous settings of these Alaskan destinations. You will agree that throughout the ages, Alaska has been wildly beautiful, largely untamed and truly the land of the adventurous. Head to these historic sites for an excursion that is both educational and scenic.
Established in 1898, this Fort in Haines is comprised of more than 85 buildings. This was the last of the Gold Rush era forts and was the only military base in Alaska operating between 1925 and 1940. The fort is named for the Secretary of State who facilitated the purchase of Alaska.
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At one time the Russian Mission Orphanage, the Russian Bishop's House is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark. One of the oldest surviving buildings of Russian America, this was the house of Ivan Veniaminov, the first Bishop of Alaska and was built from 1841-43.
This is the location of the American Flag Raising in 1867 where the Russian flag was lowered and the American flag raised to mark the transfer of Alaska to the U.S. Then in 1959 after Alaska became the 49th state, site of first official raising of 49-star U.S. flag. Also the site of historic Tlingit and Russian forts. Epic views of Sitka and historic canons complete the experience.
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Established in 1846, this church has stood through Alaska being a part of Russia, then a territory of the U.S. and now a state. An enduring monument to the Russian culture in Alaska.
The SS Nenana was built in 1933 for the Alaska Railroad for service on the Yukon, Nenana, and Tanana Rivers. It retired to Pioneer Park in 1955. The only large wooden steam-powered sternwheeler remaining in the U.S.
Sitka Spruce Park is the site of the oldest afforestation project in North America. In 1805, Russian agents planted an unknown number of Sitka spruce trees in the area and when checked in 1978, six has survived. The park is about 5 acres just south of the Unalaska Airport and the only place on the island with a significant number of trees.
Almost 100 structures remain from the gold rush era in downtown Skagway. This frontier mining town is situated right on the coast with access to the Upper Yukon Valley and Klondike gold-mines. history is alive and well at the many well preserved historical locations.
The Kennecott Mines are an excellent historical attraction. Tucked into the mountainside, the mines contain many historic buildings and provide context for the miners lives and work. The views are excellent and there are trails for all levels to explore the scenic area.
This historical library was the Fairbanks Public Library until 1977. It is most noted for being the location of 1915 meeting between U.S. government officials and 6 Alaska Native leaders to negotiate Alaska Native Rights.
Fort Abercrombie was a World War II coastal defence installation where U.S. soldiers watched the sea to protect the coastline. Over 182 acres of trails, ocean views, and history await the lucky visitor.
Have you been to any of these informative historical landmarks? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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