In WWII, the Aleutian Islands became the first line of defense for the U.S. against the invading Axis powers. The islands run from the southwestern corner of the main body of Alaska out in a long arch of volcanic islands. North of the islands lies the Bering Sea and to the south, the Pacific Ocean. At the far end of the island chain, a small force of Japanese soldiers occupied the islands of Kiska and Attu for nearly a year at one point, but the U.S. was able to defend the Territory of Alaska.
The history of the Aleutian Campaign is fraught with the difficulties of the extreme weather and the extremely remote treeless islands of the area. There was also a difficult chapter where Native Alaskan people were relocated off of their island homes and taken to "duration camps". Visit Fort Schwatka in Dutch Harbor, Unalaska to learn more about the history of this Fort and the ancient and incredible island it was built on. Take a walk through time to learn about the U.S. soldiers who vigilantly guarded the shoreline to protect from an invasion.
Fort Schwatka on the island of Unalaska in the Aleutian chain was an active U.S. Army fort during World War II.
The Aleutian Islands Campaign was conducted by the U.S. military in the Aleutian Islands. Alaska was dangerously close to Japan, an Axis power at the time.
Unalaska was part of the Alaska Territory which was in the Pacific Theatre of World War II starting on June 3, 1942.
U.S. Army Base Fort Schwatka is located on the Ulakta Head on Mount Ballyhoo, with a strategic view of the surrounding area.
Fort Schwatka quartered 250 servicemen charged with guarding this crucial border of U.S. territory. World War II bunkers cover the island at strategic vantage points.
Fort Schwatka has the distinction of being the highest coastal battery ever constructed in the United States.
Today, Ulakta Head is part of the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area. Not many of the buildings have withstood the Aleutian storms, but the remains of bunkers and other defensive posts remain.
The view from Bunker Hill shows the channel that the soldiers protected day and night to protect against invasion.
Unalaska is a remarkably beautiful part of Alaska where ancient peaks jut straight out of sparkling, turquoise water.
For nature's patriotic touch, American Bald Eagles swoop through the air above the fort, guarding the memorial.
Have you been to Fort Schwatka? Tell us about it in the comments below.
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