Tongass National Forest

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Archeology and History

The Tongass National Forest -- Where the Past Meets the Future

For thousands of years people have called Southeast Alaska home. Ongoing cultural traditions provide a spiritual link and transform a visit to the Tongass into an unforgettable encounter with history. Here we can find clues about the first people of Southeast Alaska and the natural environment they faced. The forest chronicles the history of the Tlingít, Haida and Tsimshian peoples as well as later immigrants who opened canneries, fox farms, mines and new communities. The cultures of Southeast Alaska are alive and provide meaningful links to our past.

What are heritage resources?

Heritage resources can include:

• an ancient stone tool
• Indian rock art
• an old Tlingít village
• an historic salmon cannery
• a geographic place name
• a family oral history
• an historic photograph

Heritage resources are the physical and mental remnants of a people's way of life that archeologists and historians study to interpret the human past. Heritage resources are important because they allow us to learn from our past; how did people affect the environment and how were they affected by the environment? There is a mystery and nostalgia associated with the past that captivates the soul as well as the intellect--the desire to understand how we got to where we are.

The Tongass National Forest has a major commitment to protect heritage resources for the enjoyment and education of future generations. Congress has passed numerous laws which are aimed to protect heritage resources, but we need your help to ensure that these resources are protected!

Prehistory

• Etolin Island Prehistory
• Fish Traps
• On Your Knees Cave
• Passages, An Archeology Timeline of Southeast Alaska
• Rock Art
• Totems

History

• Ranger Boats, Floating History
• Gold in Them Thar Hills
• Living Silver - History of Salmon Processing
• Whales and Tales - A Southeast Alaska Whaling Station
• WW II Gun Emplacement at George Island
• Yakutat & Southern Railroad