Fort William H. Seward facts for kids
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Fort William H. Seward
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View of Fort William H. Seward from Chilkoot Inlet, including the beach below and mountains in the background.
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 Location in Alaska
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| Location | Port Chilkoot, Haines, Alaska |
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| Built | 1902 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000190 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 11, 1972 |
| Designated NHLD | June 2, 1978 |
Fort William H. Seward, also called Chilkoot Barracks, is a special historic site in Port Chilkoot, Haines Borough, Alaska. It's about half a mile from the city of Haines. This fort was the very last of 11 military bases set up in Alaska during the exciting gold rush era. It was also Alaska's only military base between 1925 and 1940. The fort helped keep order for miners heading into the gold fields. It also showed a military presence during talks about the nearby border with Canada. The fort is named after William H. Seward, who was the U.S. Secretary of State when the United States bought Alaska.
History of Fort William H. Seward
The idea for the fort was officially approved by President William McKinley in December 1898. Before that, United States Army troops were already in the area, but not officially. Between 1902 and 1904, a proper military outpost was built. It had 85 wooden buildings. Colonel W. P. Richardson oversaw its construction. The fort was officially named in 1904.
It was first used by three companies of the Third Infantry. These soldiers had been stationed at Camp Skagway before. By 1909, the fort had grown to cover more than 4,000 acres. In 1922, its name was officially changed to Chilkoot Barracks. This new name honored the local Chilkoot people and the famous Chilkoot Trail used during the gold rush.
Between 1921 and 1925, all other military bases in Alaska were closed down. By 1927, Fort Seward had 255 soldiers stationed there. The fort was officially closed in 1945. After its closure, it was sold to the Port Chilkoot Company. Today, the property has become a lively art colony. It offers homes, art galleries, and places for tourists to stay.
The fort was recognized as an important historic site in 1972. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Later, in 1978, it was declared a National Historic Landmark. This means it's a place of great national importance.
