Aleutian World War II National Historic Area facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Aleutian World War II National Historic Area
Aleutian World War II National Historic Area Location in Alaska
Location	Unalaska, Alaska
Nearest city	Anchorage, Alaska
Designation	National Park Service affiliated area
Authorized	November 12, 1996
Owner	Ounalashka Corporation
Website	Aleutian World War II National Historic Area

The Aleutian World War II National Historic Area is a special historic site in Alaska. It's located on Amaknak Island in the Aleutian Island Chain. This area helps visitors learn about both nature and history.

It shows the historic remains of the U.S. Army Base, Fort Schwatka. This fort is found at Ulakta Head on Mount Ballyhoo. Fort Schwatka was one of four defense posts built to protect Dutch Harbor during World War II. Dutch Harbor was very important for the United States. Fort Schwatka is also the highest coastal battery ever built in the U.S.

Other Army defense places included Fort Mears, Fort Learnard, and Fort Brumback. Engineers designed the concrete buildings to survive earthquakes and strong winds. Even though many wooden parts have fallen apart, the gun mounts and lookouts at Fort Schwatka are still in good condition.

In 1996, the United States Congress made this a National Historic Area. This was to teach future generations about the Aleut people and how the Aleutian Islands helped defend the U.S. in World War II. The Ounalashka Corporation owns and runs the site. It also gets help from the National Park Service for its development and care.

Who are the Aleut People?

The Unangan, also known as the Aleut people, used to live in large numbers in their part of Alaska. But after Russians arrived, their population dropped a lot. Their numbers were greatly reduced due to new challenges and unfair treatment.

The Russian monarchy tried to make sure the Aleuts were treated fairly. However, it wasn't until the Russian Orthodox Church arrived in the 1800s that the Aleuts' rights were discussed in Russian courts.

The Russian Orthodox Church's Role

The Russian Orthodox Church helped the Aleut people a lot. Churches became the most important buildings in the villages. They were the center of community life. Aleuts worked in the churches and formed choirs. They sang in their own Aleut language.

The Church offered comfort and hope. Its religious art, called icons, represented a spiritual side that helped people deal with hard times. The Russian Orthodox faith is still very important in modern Aleut culture. The Church of the Holy Ascension of Christ, built in 1895, is a National Historic Landmark. In 1996, the World Monuments Watch listed the church's 250 religious icons as one of the world's 100 most endangered sites. This list also includes famous places like India's Taj Mahal.

Life After the Alaska Purchase

After the United States bought Alaska in 1867, the Aleut people were called "Indians." They became wards of the government. Some Aleuts worked on fox and sheep farms for money. Others became construction workers or dock workers. But most still relied on the sea for food.

The Aleuts faced difficulties for over 200 years. These challenges ended with their forced move from their homes during World War II. This is when the special location of the Aleutian Islands, linking east and west, became very important in the area's history.

The Aleutian Islands in World War II

When World War II started, the Japanese Naval Base of Paramushiro was only 650 miles southwest of Attu Island. Attu is the westernmost island in the Aleutian chain. Both the people of Attu and the Aleutian Islanders were worried about being so close to this Japanese base.

On June 7, 1942, Japanese forces invaded the United States. They attacked and took over Attu Island and Kiska. This was part of the Aleutian Islands Campaign. It was first meant to distract U.S. forces from the Battle of Midway. This event changed the lives of the 42 Attuan villagers who were taken as prisoners of war. It also changed the lives of all Aleut people.

Forced Evacuation of Aleuts

Because of the Japanese attack, U.S. officials moved 881 Aleuts from nine villages. They were taken from their homes onto crowded ships. Most were only allowed to bring one suitcase. The villagers of Atka sadly watched as U.S. soldiers burned their homes and church. This was done so the buildings would not fall into Japanese hands.

The Aleuts were sent to Southeast Alaska. They were crowded into "duration villages." Conditions were very hard there. There was no running water, electricity, or warm winter clothes. The camp food was poor, and the water was not clean. Medical care was not good enough, and many people became sick.

Dutch Harbor's Role in the War

From mid-1942 to mid-1943, Dutch Harbor was a submarine base. This allowed short-range S-class submarines to patrol near Japanese waters. By mid-1943, many more long-range submarines, like the Gato-class, were built. These were based elsewhere, and the S-boats were then used for training.