Beluga Point Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Beluga Point Site
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Beluga Point Site
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 Beluga Point Site
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Anchorage, Alaska |
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| NRHP reference No. | 78000515 |
| Added to NRHP | March 30, 1978 |
Beluga Point Site (also known as 49ANC-054) is a special place in Alaska. It is an important archaeological site located along Turnagain Arm, which is part of Cook Inlet. You can find it near Milepost 110 on the Seward Highway, just south of Anchorage. This site was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on March 30, 1978.
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Discovering Ancient History at Beluga Point
Beluga Point is like a window into the past. Scientists have found many old tools and items here. These artifacts show us that people lived in this area a very long time ago.
Oldest Finds in Anchorage
Some of the oldest items found at Beluga Point North 1 (BPN1) are truly ancient. They are between 8,000 and 10,000 years old! These artifacts are believed to be the earliest proof of people living in the Anchorage area.
Later Settlements
Other discoveries at Beluga Point South 1 and 2 (BPS1 and BPS2) are a bit newer. These items are about 3,500 to 4,000 years old. There are even some more recent artifacts, dating back 600 to 800 years. Each discovery helps us learn more about the different groups of people who lived here over thousands of years.
Watching Wildlife at Beluga Point
Beluga Point is not just for history buffs; it's also a fantastic spot to see wildlife! The Alaska Department of Fish and Game manages this area for animal viewing.
Beluga Whales in Cook Inlet
One of the most exciting sights here are the Beluga whales. These amazing white whales are a type of cetacean, which means they are related to dolphins and porpoises. Hundreds of beluga whales visit Cook Inlet every year, usually from July through August. They come here to feed on the large numbers of Pacific salmon that swim up the rivers during their annual migration. It's a truly incredible natural event to witness!
