Final Project - Craig, Alaska

Craig, Alaska from Sunnahae - city-data.com

Part I  Timeline - Prince of Wales Island (POW), Alaska 

 

Fishing Industry

The Tlingit and Haida Natives have  thrived on the island of Prince of Wales and the surrounding areas for centuries because of the resources available in the area.  These Natives found the area suitable because of abundant resources and mild winters provided by the temperate rain forest.

Saltery and Cold Storage - ASL-P39-0358 AK Digital Archive

 The same abundant resources that made this area appealing to the Natives eventually attracted others to the area.  Because of healthy salmon runs, fish processing facilities were built on Prince of Wales Island.  The cannery in Klawock, built in 1878, was one of the first built in Southeast Alaska.  In 1907, Craig Miller along with some local Haida men, established a saltery on Fish Egg Island, near present day Craig.  It was comprised of shacks and tents.  

Cannery at Fish Egg - 1910-1920 AK Digital Archives  UAA-hmc-1011-11

  The fishing industry continued to grow with prolific salmon runs.  In the years of 1908-1912 a permanent saltery, cold storage facility, and cannery were built at the present location of Craig.  Along with the cannery, permanent housing structures were constructed.  The fish processing industry boomed as high demand for salmon existed during World War I.

The fishing industry in Southeast Alaska is a perfect example of the boom and bust economy that has existed in Alaska.  When the depression hit salmon prices slumped.  In years following the depression, the industry would often flourish then fail.  Depleted salmon runs from overfishing and the U.S. involvement in World War II took a toll on the fishing industry.  

Ward Cove Cannery - flickr.com

The  Ward Cove Cannery burnt down in 1956, leaving the place in ruins. This abandoned structures still remain today as a footprint of the past booming industry.

Today the fishing industry still supports much of the economy on Prince of Wales Island.  The old canneries are simply memories but fishing continues to be a major industry.  In 2007 the City of Craig and Silver Bay Seafoods agreed upon the construction and operation of a new processing and cold storage facility that would be built in Craig.  This facility employed nearly 250 people in 2011.  

Timber  

 

Lumber from Prince of Wales - AK Digital Archives ASL-P207-31-05

The first sawmill was opened on POW in 1912.  Usually there was a connection with lumber and other industries.  In Southeast Alaska sawmills were typically opened in conjunction with fishing and mining industries or other economic catalysts. When the need for production ceased in areas usually the sawmills shut down because of the fact that most of the lumber was used locally and there was no other market for the product.  

The increases and decreases in production and use of lumber coincides with many of the events that occurred in or involved Alaska and the United States.  For example, World War I increased the demand for fish.  This demand for fish increased the demand for lumber was needed to build fish traps, pilings, packing cases, mine timbers, dock piles and timbers, and lumber for construction.  The war also increased the need for Sitka spruce which was being used for the production of airplanes.  The use of wood for airplanes was required because of the country's inability to meet the demands for metals that were typically used for airplane construction.  

In the 1950s an event occurred that turned the industry around.  A fifty year forest service contract was signed that would increase lumber production.  Also, a global market was established that would perpetuate growth of the industry in the coming years.  Lumber still continues to support the economy on Prince of Wales Island and throughout Southeast Alaska. 
  

 

Mining

 

Many mining attempts have taken place on Prince of Wales.  One example, the Salt Chuck Mine, located near the present day Kasaan,  operated from 1905-1941 producing over 300,000 tons of ore.  Copper, silver, gold, and palladium are some of the ores that were extracted from this site and other mining sites on the island.  With the mining booms came population growth.  

Mining Camp at Sulzer, Alaska - AK Digital Archives ASL-P104-044

Hollis, a town on the east coast of POW, is another example of the mining boom. In the early 1900s gold and silver were mined here. Nearly 1,000 residents resided in the community at this time. When mining production ceased around 1915 the town was abandoned.  Hollis is the current location for the ferry terminal that connects the island to Ketchikan but has little industry to keep the town alive.  The 2010 census reported the population of Hollis to be 112 residents.


Mining possibilities are still being investigated on Prince of Wales Island as tests are being conducted at various sites.  Will this produce more growth?  Only time will tell.

 

 

World War  I and II 

As mentioned previously in the fishing industry, timber, and mining sections, the two World Wars had impact on many of the industries on Prince of Wales Island.  

Spruce Goose - www.century-of-flight.net

The fishing industry flourished during World War I because of the high demand for salmon but declined during World War II because of declining salmon runs, the draft,  and booming industries in other areas of the state. 


Timber production increased during the WWI and WWII because of demand.  Wood was a new product being used for production of things such as airplanes because of a shortage of metals.   With the demands came growth to Prince of Wales Island.

 

Travel 

 

Because of location, travel to Prince of Wales Island has always been challenging.  In the early 1900s steam services were available from Seattle to the island.  As new economic opportunities were presented new travel opportunities followed.  

IFA Ferry - evergreenfleet.com

When the Alaska Marine Highway was established more frequent voyages would take passengers to and from POW.  For years ferry services were available sporadically, making it possible to get to and from the island on a more consistent schedule. 

As the industries of fishing and lumber grew, a need for regular ferry services to Prince of Wales Island occurred.  In 1997 the Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA) was organized to help provide improved transportation to the island.  Alaska's Municipal Port Authority Act made it possible for several cities on the island to establish the IFA as a public corporation that would serve the members of the community with transportation services.

 

 

Alaska Native Settlement Claims Act

 

Shaanseet.com

In 1971 the Alaska Native Settlement Claims Act (ANSCA) was passed.  This created Native corporations throughout the state.  Shaan-Seet was the village corporation established in Craig, Alaska.  This corporation has been active in providing economic opportunities.  

Shaan-Seet has provided jobs to many people in the community. The corporation has conducted logging operation, owned and operated lodges, restaurants, and bars, as well as established itself in the real estate sector. 

Part II - Cause Effect Statements  

 

Because of salmon runs in and around Prince of Wales Island many fish processing facilities have been established on POW.  In order to operate these facilities many people flocked to the area.  
Link:  Resources, Economy, Population/Settlement 


A need for lumber during the World Wars and the abundance of wood available on POW created economic opportunities on the island.  Again, populations increased because of demands on the timber industry.
Link:  Resource, Economy, World Wars, Population/Settlement

 
Because of ANSCA, the Native corporation Shaan-Seet was established.  This has provided residents in and around the areas of Craig, Alaska with opportunities for employment and leisure activities.  
Link:  Government, Economy, Population
 
 

 

Module IX - Alaska Governance and Contemporary Issues

Essential Question:

*Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act 1980 has been supported and derided by Alaskans, both in 1980 when it was passed and today. Describe three impacts of this landmark legislation.

*Federal Ownership and Conservation of Alaska's Lands

Many citizens of the United States wanted conservation of the beautiful lands and wildlife of Alaska. Many Alaskans had different opinions on how the land of Alaska should be used. Through ANILCA over 100 million acres of Alaska lands would be federally protected and set aside for conservation. These lands would become national forests, national parks, preserves, monuments and wildlife refuges. Because of ANILCA, the federal government determines what activities occur on the 60% of Alaska that is owned by the U.S.

Tongass National Forest - Christy House 2010

*Subsistence and Management

Inhabitants of the Alaskan region have survived on the abundant resources of the area for centuries. The management of these resources would become a hot topic for debate. Questions would arises such as: Should the resources that are sought out for living a subsistence lifestyle be protected and managed? Who should ensure that these resources are managed and protected? Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act or ANILCA is the bill that would determine the answer to these questions. Because of ANILCA, decisions about uses of the lands owned by the federal government would be given to the federal government. The control forced by the federal government sent many Alaskan citizens into an outrage. Although many were furious about ANILCA, the bill would remain and continues to dictate how, when, where, and what subsistence activities occur in Alaska.

*Natural Resource Development
Because of ANILCA, many areas in Alaska are not open for resource development. Sen. Paul Tsongas, a steady conservation supporter, said that the bill was "a victory for the administration and for those of us in Congress who have worked for so many years to protect the staggering beauty and abundant natural resources, and wildlife of the Alaska wilderness." "No single piece of legislation in our history," he said, "surpasses this act." (Alaska History and Cultural Studies - Modern Alaska) Debate continues as to whether lands protected by ANILCA should be opened up to resource exploration. Many know of the abundance of those resources in Alaska but realize that little can be done to use these resources.

Alaska Oil Pipeline
alaska-in-pictures.com
Explore Alaska Blog
Let's take oil drilling for example. In ANILCA section 1003, Congress stated that the "production of oil and gas from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is prohibited and no leasing or other development leading to production of oil and gas from the [Refuge] shall be undertaken until authorized by an act of Congress." Some legislative action brought about during Bush's administration has made it more likely that oil drilling will occur in the future. The debate still continues - to drill or not to drill. Certainly an issue to watch in the future that is influenced by ANILCA.

Examine Question:

*What ANILCA lands are in your area? Identify regulations that affect how that land may be used.

Prince of Wales Island is located in the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the country. This protected forest is made up of 17 million acres and is one of the last temperate rain forests in the world. This forest has abundant resources that are regulated by the US Forest Service. As in any natural system, things are always changing, requiring the regulations to change as well.
Timber is an abundant resource and is strictly regulated by the US Forest Service. Where lumber will be taken, how it will be taken, and how much will be taken is always considered. A plan is created by the U.S. Forest Service that answers these questions and is often reevaluated. The 2008 U.S. Forest Service Plan states clearly that there is a ceiling on the amount of lumber that can be taken from the Tongass. It also includes in the plan that the plan will be reevaluated every 10-15 years. The plan is strict and very dynamic.

Subsistence fishing is a common practice among residents in rural Alaska. The same National Forest Service (NFS) plan explains that certain fish can be harvested within regulations and is preserved through ANILCA. Each year the NFS designates areas for harvest. I have observed on our island that the NFS posts restrictions in the fishing regulations manual as well as at the site of harvest explaining when and how the fish must be taken. It is common for residents to use a net for beach seining as well as dip netting in areas in order to harvest the needed fish. All restrictions are created and enforced by the NFS.

Subsistence Fishing
Vilda - IGI-2011-003-0022

Evaluate:
This was a large module described correctly at the beginning of the module by being full of complex information. As mentioned, I know that I will need to revisit the resources presented in order to truly understand all of the information. Cool stuff though. I really enjoyed the content and look forward to spending more time with it. Blogging is still frustrating though.
Colleague Reviews:

Explore Alaska ClassNiki shared some interesting facts in regard to the pollution created by military activity throughout the war. I did not know that Eagle River had been used as a weapons testing site. Interesting information!

Alaskan HistoryI enjoyed the information that Claire shared about recent activity of the Alaska National Guard. It is always insightful to read about current activites of the military branch that started as the ATG.

Gary's Alaska BlogGary shared some exciting information on the Alaska Scouts. It was nice to read an extension to the minimal information that was shared through the course.

Module VIII - World War II 1939-1945 A Turning Point for Alaska

Essential Question:


*The conduct of war presents incredible challenges as well as opportunities. These impact the economy of the country as well as the daily lives of all participants. Describe the challenges and opportunities unique to Alaska during World War II.


Challenges

Many people living in Alaska during World War II faced challenges associated with the war. The nature of those challenges were influenced greatly by many things. Obviously some citizens experienced greater challenges than others. Let's take a look at some of the challenges faced by people during World War II.

Aleut Evacuation

The Aleut citizens living on the Islands of Kisku and Atta of the Aleutian Islands probably experienced the impacts of war at its greatest due to close proximity to Japan. For the first time since the occupation of the English in early U.S. history, a foreign country occupied United States lands in the Aleutian Islands. Japanese troops occupied Kisku and Atta, taking nearly 50 prisoners. The U.S. military responded to the threats of the Japanese by evacuating Aleuts living in the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands.

Many Native citizens of the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands were forced from their homes and were relocated to abandoned canneries in Southeast Alaska. They had no say as to where they were going and when or if they would return. The Aleuts were given only 24-hours notice that they would leave. They were to use this time to gather their important belongings. They would take little with them as they left home.

Vilda-Aleut Cemetery - WWII
ASL-P01-3749

The living conditions in the camps were inhospitable. The Aleuts were forced to live in cramped old, dilapidated buildings that had not been used for a decade or more. The circumstances were dire. There was not adequate water, sanitation conditions, or medical care. Because of these facts, illness and diseases resulted in a 10 percent death rate.

When the Aleuts returned to their homelands they found them in ruins. Many of their homes had been destroyed so the Japanese would not use them. What the Aleuts had left behind was stolen, damaged, or destroyed. It was a devastating end to an existing injustice. Some of the Aleuts chose not to return to their homeland and chose other places to settle. Eventually, in 1992, the U.S. Government issued an apology to the Aleuts and offered monetary restitution. (November 2010, Aleut Evacuation and Relocation 1942-1945).

Other Wartime Challenges

Other challenges faced Alaskans throughout World War II. U.S. citizens of Japanese decent were detained and held in internment camps during the war. These individuals were pulled from their homes and sent to live in meager camps in the lower 48. Also, residents faced the challenges of living with food rations, censored media, and occasional blackouts. (World War II in Alaska)

Opportunities

World War II brought more money and people to Alaska than the Gold Rush (Video - Alaska: A History in Five Parts). With war came opportunities. Because of Alaska's location on the Great Circle Route, the U.S. Government knew that military defenses were needed in areas of Alaska. Wartime construction changed Alaska. Many new military personnel moved into the area, creating economic opportunities throughout the territory. Infrastructure development such as roads, runway construction, oil pipelines, and communication systems were needed to help Alaska stay connected with the rest of the country and to help defend from invaders. Let's examine some of the opportunities created from World War II.

Alaska Highway Construction and Infrastructure Development

The United States needed a way to get from the lower 48 to Alaska. A road had been discussed by the United States government in the 1930s as they recognized a need for a land route that would extend through Canada and into Alaska. It wasn't until after the U.S. became involved in World War II that construction on the Alaska Highway began.

Alaka Highway Construction
Vilda UAF-2004-92-56

In February of 1942 construction on the Alaska Highway began. Over 10,000 troops and thousands of civilians were needed to construct the 1,900 miles of road. The difficult terrain would make this task extremely challenging but was completed in 9 months, between March and November 1942. Not only would this road provide work for the thousands at the time, but would become a road that would forever keep Alaska connected to the continental United States.

Alaska Territorial Guard and Military Build-Up

The Alaska Territorial Guard was formed by Alaska Natives. Their purpose was to protect the coastal communities of the territory from further invasions of Japan. The ATG, also known as the Eskimo Scouts or Tundra Army, were unpaid volunteers. They were an unorganized militia working to provide intelligence on Japanese movements in the area. The were separate from the National Guard which was considered the organized militia. After the war the ATG became part of the National Guard.
Vilda -Heurlin, C. "Rusty" (painter)


Examine Question:

*Explain the purpose of the Aleut evacuation and give at least two examples of how the evacuation affected the Aleuts of Alaska.

As explained earlier, the Aleut citizens of the Alaska territory suffered greatly because of the acts of Japan during World War II. Their story is tragic. The evacuation changed their lives forever as the war destroyed the place they called home. We will look at why the Aleuts were evacuated and how they were affected.

Because of the location of the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands on the Great Circle Route, Aleuts were at risk of attack from the Japanese. This was the closest point in the United States from Japan and the Japanese wanted to use this area for bases for future military operations. In June of 1942 a Japanese attack occurred in the Aleutian Islands. To ensure the safety of the Aleuts that called this area their homeland, it was decided that the area needed to be evacuated. These Natives were forced from their homes and taken to deserted camps located in Southeast Alaska.

Aleuts at Evacuation Camp
Vilda ASL-P306-1044

One effect on the Aleuts was high death rates. The camps the Aleuts were forced to live in were unsanitary and inhospitable and were not located near much needed healthcare services. This created unhealthy living circumstances and inability to treat victims. Many Aleuts died because of the poor living situations. A 10 percent death rate existed in the camps. Because of these conditions, many would never return home.

Many Aleuts would die protecting their homes. Several signed on to become part of the military force that would protect their homes. Because of the severity of the battles, many casualties resulted. Many Aleuts would perish because of their fight to overtake the islands.

Many Aleuts would never return to their homelands. Those that did had little to return to. Many of their homes had been burned before they left so that the Japanese could not use them for their purposes. Many of the belongings that were left behind by the Aleuts had been stolen or destroyed. After the war the place they called home would have to be severely reconstructed in order to resemble what had been left.


Evaluate:

I have enjoyed studying much about World War II but have spent little time learning about Alaska's involvement. I have really struggled with the amount of time the course is taking. I have loved the content. What has bee the most difficult is the blogging requirements. It seems to take me forever to get a post ready. Any suggestions to speed this along?


Colleague Reviews:

The Alaskan Adventure
I enjoyed reading Lane's blog as he shared his own experiences with health care in Tatitlek. It is interesting how many places in the state have limited access to what many of us see as necessary services.

My Cove and Beyond
Marg did a great job discussing the changes in formal education for the Natives. The Natives had and still have knowledge that must be shared with future generations. The education system they used was so practical for their existence.

Educational Exploration in AK
Kristin shared a great summary of the troubles the Aleuts and Japanese American citizens faced during evacuation and internment.

Module VII - American Period: Society

Essential Question:

How have the settlement patterns of Alaska been a reflection of the natural landscape, distance, resources, and the economy?


Alaska is a huge state with much to be discussed in terms of settlement and the connections with landscape, distance, resources, and the economy. I am going to focus on the settlement patterns in Southeast Alaska, and more specifically on the island where I am living, Prince of Wales also known as POW.


Tlingit and Haida Natives were the first to inhabit and benefit from the resources on Prince of Wales Island. The Tlingit arrived nearly eight thousands years ago and the Haida arrived more recently. Most early Native settlements were on or near the beaches due to easy access. Because of the mild climate and abundant resources on the coast, Natives were able to flourish in coastal villages year round. They were hunters and gatherers, reliant on the resources of the area as they lived a subsistence lifestyle that revolved around the cycles of nature. They harvested fish, shellfish, sea mammals, beach greens, seaweed, and berries when seasons afforded the opportunities. Wood was always available and was used in many ways. These abundant resources would eventually draw other settlers looking for economic gain into the area.

Click here to revisit specific details in regard to the Tlingit and Haida tribes-

Russian, Spanish, British, and Euroamerican exploration occured in the North Pacific in what is now known as Alaska in the 1700's but wide scale economic development did not occur on Prince of Wales Island until the late 1800s. The primary developments of industry were of fishing, mining, and logging.

Fishing
One of the first and largest economic opportunities on POW was presented because of the abundant salmon runs around the island. These fishing opportunities created new settlements. Fishing presented many opportunities on boats and during processing. The first American shore-based saltery operated at Klawock on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska by 1868. (Alaska History and Cultural Studies CHAPTER 4-16: FISHING AND SEA HUNTING) Later this site was turned into a cannery. The fishing industry was seasonal but required many workers. The Klawock cannery was operated primarily by the Tlingit and Haidas. The Natives were unable to work entire seasons because of their need to fish and provide for their families' needs. The industry continued to expand and the increased demand created a need for help in the canneries. People were brought in to work. Many of the new workers were Chinese immigrants, Japanese, Filipino, and Mexicans.

The boom and bust trend was and still is evident in the fishing industry. Today, fishing is one of the driving industries on POW. The cities of Craig and Klawock rely heavily on the fishing industry. The market is still driven by supply and demand. Each summer the population rises as people come to capitalize on the opportunities that fishing presents on the island. It has brought many new people that now call Prince of Wales Island their home.
Klawock Cannery
vilda.alaska.edu

Mining
Mining on Prince of Wales Island began in the late 1800s. Precious resources such as gold, silver, copper, zinc, lead, uranium, palladium and marble were mined on the island. Hollis, a town on the east coast of POW, is a result from the mining boom. In the early 1900s gold and silver were mined here. Nearly 1,000 residents resided in the community at this time. When mining production ceased around 1915 the town was abandoned. Again, more evidence of the boom and bust economy that plagued the state. You can still walk the Harris River to see some of the remnants of the mining that occurred in the area.

Mining of marble occurred on POW in the early 1900s but did not prove to be a profitable economic endeavor and did not contribute any long-term flourishing settlements. If you would like to read more about the marble quarry in Calder Bay on Prince of Wales Island
-Click Here

Calder Bay Marble Quarry

1890-1910
vilda.alaska.edu

Timber/Logging

Timber has been a driving force of the economy on Prince of Wales Island. Initially the United States was not interested in promoting the timber industry. The US Eventually passed a law that allowed for the production of lumber in Alaska. The demand was high during booming industrial periods and lumber helped meet those needs.

Early logging was hard work and completed mostly by hand. This would require large numbers of workers in order to meet demand. Eventually logging expanded and as technology advanced. Areas were made accessible for more wide-spread harvesting. As a result of logging on the island, Prince of Wales has over 2,000 miles of roads. This is unusual for Southeast Alaska's coastal communities.

Many of the communities on Prince of Wales began as logging camps. Hollis was brought back to life in 1954 when the Ketchikan Pulp Company was given a 50 year timber contract. Hollis became the first logging camp and the base of timber operation on Prince of Wales Island. In 1962 the camp was moved to Thorne Bay, leaving Hollis nearly vacant. There is still a logging operation in Thorne Bay employing many residents.

Logging in Hollis - Vilda 1957

Hollis is not the thriving mining and logging community it used to be. It is now the home to a ferry terminal and a float plane dock. The Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA) operates out of Hollis and travels between Hollis and Ketchikan each day. Currently there are some mining opportunities being explored but little growth is resulting from it. A highway from Hollis connects the major hubs of the island - Craig and Klawock.

All communities of Prince of Wales island are results of the Native presence or economic endeavors and industries of the past. Fishing and logging continue to drive the economy of the island. We still see fluctuations each year as supply and demand changes -creating the boom or bust economy.

Examine Question:

What role did Sheldon Jackson play in creating an early education system for Alaska?

In the late 1880s, as Euroamericans moved into the Alaskan region, a need for schools arose. Mission schools, a product of the efforts of Sheldon Jackson, were the beginning of an early education system for Alaska.

Sheldon Jackson, a Presbyterian leader, began his work in Alaska's education system in 1877. Jackson felt the need for the Natives to be educated into what the early Americans called civilized lifestyles. In his efforts to accomplish this, Jackson created an English-only policy that would be strictly enforced in schools. Native culture was impacted throughout the state because of the educational experiences of the mission schools.

Jackson advocated for missions schools throughout the state. Funding for schools was limited and mission schools made it possible to have schools without large financial contributions from the citizens or the government. Mission schools would continue until control was turned over to the Bureau of Education. These mission schools led to the prominence of a variety of churches still found throughout the state today.

Evaluate:

I don't know if I am just slow but the reading and blogging is still taking me forever. I need to find some ways to speed things along.

Colleague Reviews:

Heather's Alaskan Exploration
I enjoyed Heather's information on the railroads in Alaska. Interesting facts.

Peter's Alaska Blog
Peter shared some interesting history specifically of communication and the changes he experienced in the Bristol Bay Area. It is amazing how quickly technology changes things.

The Alaskan Adventure
I enjoyed reading Lane's experiences with transportation in the area of Tatitlek.