Kaguyak Village Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Kaguyak Village Site
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| Location | Address restricted |
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| Nearest city | Kanatak, Alaska |
| Area | 2.2 acres (0.89 ha) |
| Built | 1912 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78000274 |
| Added to NRHP | June 23, 1978 |
The Kaguyak Village Site is a very old and important place on the Pacific coast of the Alaska Peninsula. It's located inside Katmai National Park and Preserve. This site, also known as 49 Afg 4, was once a busy Native Alaskan village. People lived here for a very long time.
However, the village was abandoned after a huge event in 1912. This event was the eruption of a volcano called Novarupta. Today, the site is an archaeological site. This means scientists study the remains of old buildings and items left behind. They learn about the people who lived there long ago.
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Kaguyak Village Site: A Glimpse into Alaska's Past
The Kaguyak Village Site is a special place where history and prehistory meet. It helps us understand how people lived in Alaska before modern times. Archaeologists study the area to uncover secrets from the past. They look for clues about daily life, culture, and how the village changed over time.
What Was Kaguyak Village Like?
Kaguyak was a village where Alaska Natives lived. These communities often relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering for food. They built homes and lived together, forming strong communities. The site shows us how these people adapted to the Alaskan environment.
The Big Eruption of 1912
In 1912, a massive volcano named Novarupta erupted. This eruption was one of the largest in the 20th century. It covered a huge area with ash and pumice. The ash made it impossible for people to live in Kaguyak Village. The eruption forced everyone to leave their homes. This natural disaster led to the village being completely abandoned.
Discovering the Past at Kaguyak
When archaeologists explore the Kaguyak Village Site, they find many interesting things. They have found the remains of a Russian Orthodox church. This tells us that the villagers had adopted some new traditions. There is also a cemetery nearby, which gives clues about the people buried there.
Besides the church, scientists have found old house foundations. These are the stone or wood bases of former homes. They also found other parts of buildings. These discoveries help us imagine what the village looked like before the eruption. They show us how people built their homes and lived their lives.
Protecting This Important History
Because the Kaguyak Village Site is so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This is a list of places in the United States that are special because of their history or culture. Being on this list helps protect the site. It ensures that future generations can also learn from this unique piece of Alaskan history.
