Chief Son-I-Hat's Whale House and Totems Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Chief Son-I-Hat's Whale House and Totems Historic District
|
|
Old photo showing the abandoned Old Kasaan early in the 20th century
|
|
 Location in Alaska
|
|
| Location | About 0.5 miles (0.80 km) west of Kasaan, along Totem Park Trail |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | Kasaan |
| Area | 7.5 acres (3.0 ha) |
| Built | 1904 |
| NRHP reference No. | 02000627 |
| Added to NRHP | June 11, 2002 |
The Chief Son-I-Hat's Whale House and Totems Historic District is a very special place. It is also known as the New Kasaan Totem Pole Park. This historic area holds important parts of Old Kasaan, which was a village of the Haida people. The Haida are a Native American group from the Pacific Northwest.
This special district is now located in the newer village of Kasaan. It includes the old clan house of Chief Son-I-Hat. This house was built around 1880. Chief Son-I-Hat was a Haida leader. He led his people when they moved from Old Kasaan to New Kasaan. He also moved a very important totem pole with them.
In the 1930s, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps helped out. They moved and copied more totem poles. They also fixed up the old house. They even built a small park and a trail. This trail goes from the center of New Kasaan to the park and nearby cemeteries.
Contents
What is the Whale House and Totem Park?
This historic district is like an outdoor museum. It protects important buildings and objects. These items tell the story of the Haida people. The district covers about 7.5 acres of land. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. This means it is a place of national importance.
The Famous Whale House
The main building here is Chief Son-I-Hat's clan house. It is called the Whale House. This house was a very important gathering place. It was where families lived and important events happened. The house shows how Haida people built their homes long ago.
The Meaning of Totem Poles
Totem poles are tall, carved wooden poles. They are very important to Native American cultures. Each carving on a pole tells a story. They can show family history or important events. They also represent spirits or animals. The poles at this site are very old and special. They help us remember the Haida people's past.
Different Kinds of Totem Poles
There are different types of totem poles. Some are memorial poles. They honor people who have passed away. Others are house poles. These poles support the roof of a house. Story poles tell legends or myths. Each pole is a unique work of art.
Who was Chief Son-I-Hat?
Chief Son-I-Hat was a respected leader of the Haida people. He lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s. He made the big decision to move his community. This move was from Old Kasaan to a new location. He wanted a better future for his people.
Why Move to New Kasaan?
The old village of Kasaan was becoming harder to live in. People needed better access to resources. They also wanted to be closer to new opportunities. Chief Son-I-Hat understood these needs. He led his people to a new, more suitable place. This new place became the modern Kasaan.
The Civilian Conservation Corps' Work
In the 1930s, America was in a tough time called the Great Depression. The government created programs to help people find jobs. One program was the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC. Young men worked on projects to improve parks and natural areas.
Restoring History with the CCC
The CCC played a big role at this site. They helped move some of the old totem poles. They also made copies of others. This helped preserve the original poles. The CCC also fixed up the Whale House. They made sure it would last for many more years. Their work helped create the park we see today. They also built the trail that leads to the site. This trail makes it easier for visitors to explore.
