Bartlett Cove: Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

National Park Service

Bartlett Cove is located just north of the mouth of Glacier Bay. It is a component landscape of the Huna Tligit Homelands located within the boundaries of Glacier Bay National Park. The general vicinity of the cove, from Gustavus Point (also called Strawberry Point) northward through the Beardslee Islands and eastward to Bartlett Lake, is an area rich in Huna Tlingit place names and stories. The current landforms surrounding the bay (including glacial moraines and outwash plains) result from the retreat of Little Ice Age glaciers between three and four hundred years ago. Thus, the age of archeological sites located on these landforms post-date the final glacial episode. However, Huna clan origin stories tell of occupation of the area prior to the Little Ice Age. In Bartlett Cove, evidence of this earlier occupation was likely destroyed during the last glacial advance, although remnants of the ancient forest can still be seen in the intertidal zone. The area known today as Glacier Bay contains a suite of subsistence resources, including marine, freshwater and terrestrial resources important to Huna Tlingit subsistence. Bartlett Cove possesses specific natural features that make it attractive for the establishment of occupation sites, including shelter from prevailing winds, a view of major water approaches, gently sloping beaches for the landing of canoes, and abundant fresh water. An added attraction of the area is Bartlett Lake, a fresh-water body of water that historically served as a spawning ground for sockeye salmon, highly prized by the Huna Tlingit. Natural processes reduced the sockeye run drastically during the historic period. The river also supports runs of chum, silver, and pink salmon. During the post-contact period, several people selected native allotments in the vicinity. During the historical period, the same natural resource abundance that attracted Alaska natives to the area attracted commercial salmon salteries and canneries. At various times during the past, Bartlett Cove supported a saltery and a cannery, whose operations were dependent upon predictable salmon runs and the presence of a native work force. Other Euroamerican development in the vicinity included the establishment of a trading post, homestead claims (principally in the vicinity of Strawberry Point, now known as Gustavus), and relatively short-lived attempts at fox farming (mostly on the Beardslee Islands). In addition, two native allotments, those of Charles S. Judson and Albert Jackson were located on the south side of the cove and along the Bartlett River, respectively. The most recent and extensive development in the vicinity of Bartlett Cove is a result of the activities of the National Park Service. Since the 1950s, Bartlett Cove has served as the center of administrative and concession functions for GLBA; the park service continues to upgrade and expand infrastructure in this headquarters area. Today, a two-lane road leads from the community of Gustavus to the south shore of Bartlett Cove. The development extends westward from the administrative/maintenance area south of Lagoon Island, approximately 1 mile to the park service campground. Facilities for park service administration, maintenance, operations and employee housing occur in this area, as well as the improvements associated with Glacier Bay Lodge, the public campground, trails, and associated access roads. Most of the development is located on elevated ground above the tidal zone. Exceptions include the docking facilities, including separate structures for fuel loading, passenger ships and park service vessels. The Cultural Landscapes Inventory documents and evaluates all significant or potentially significant cultural landscapes in the National Park System, including Bartlett Cove.

Bartlett Cove: Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

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