Aniakchak Bay Historical Landscape District: Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve

Norris, Frank

The Aniakchak Historical Landscape District is a component of the Aniakchak River Corridor Landscape, located within the 602,779-acre Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve. The Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve is a National Park Service unit created in 1978, situated on roadless terrain of the Alaska Peninsula. The Aniakchak Historical Landscape District lies adjacent to the mouth of the Aniakchak River on the north shore of Aniakchak Bay, about fifty miles northeast of Chignik, Alaska. The area surrounding the mouth of the Aniakchak River produces one of the richest salmon runs along the Pacific side of the Alaska Peninsula, and the north shore of Aniakchak Bay (east of the river mouth) offers the best location for habitation within miles of either direction. A large berm, located just north of the high tide line and east of the mouth of the Aniakchak River, parallels the coast for over a hundred yards. Between the berm and an adjacent hill lies a well-drained, wind-protected swale with access to fresh water from two small, unnamed streams just east of the berm. Covered with two-to four-foot beach grass and parsnip during the summer, the berries of several species also grow in close proximity to the site. The Aniakchak River flows south into the Pacific towards a rock ridge (only visible at low tide) that connects the mainland and Ark Island; the area southwest of the mouth provides the most favorable fishing sites. Within the Landscape District are a bunkhouse, two standing outbuildings, six barabaras, the remains of several fish-drying racks, a prehistoric campsite, the roped remains of a fish trap, and collapsed remains of a bunk scow. Barabaras are the traditional dugout dwelling found throughout western Alaska and the Alaska Peninsula. Three of these are collapsed, and evidence of the others is provided through three barabara-sized depressions. Radiocarbon testing from site excavations conducted in 1987 date the prehistoric campsite to approximately 1600 A.D. The Aniakchak Bay Historical Landscape District was listed on the National Register of Historical Places on February 16, 1997. Defined by the concentration of fishery activities and facilities at the site, the period of significance involves several cultural occupations; this includes Alaskan Native Sugpiat from 1600-1940 and non-Native commercial fishing operations conducted by the Columbia River Packers Association (CRPA) from 1917-1940. It is significant in areas of archeology, ethnic heritage, maritime history, and exploration and settlement. With the exception of ATV trails, historic integrity is maintained throughout the district, and the entire district offers a cultural setting that directly relates to the areas of significance.

Aniakchak Bay Historical Landscape District: Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve

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