National Register of Historic Places listings in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska facts for kids
Welcome to Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska! This special place is home to many buildings, sites, and areas that are super important to American history. These places are so important that they are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a Hall of Fame for historic buildings and landmarks!
The National Register of Historic Places is a list kept by the United States government. It helps protect places that tell us about the past. When a place is on this list, it means it has a unique story about American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. In Ketchikan Gateway Borough, there are 20 amazing places on this list. Two other places were once listed but have since been removed. Let's explore some of these cool historic spots!
Historic Places You Can Visit
Many of the places on the National Register in Ketchikan Gateway Borough are buildings or areas that you can see and learn about. They help us understand what life was like long ago in Alaska.
Creek Street Historic District
One of the most famous spots is the Creek Street Historic District in Ketchikan. Imagine a street built on wooden pilings over a creek! This unique area was once a busy place for fishing and other activities. Today, it's a popular spot with shops and art galleries, but it still keeps its historic charm. Walking along Creek Street is like stepping back in time to early Ketchikan.
Chief Kashakes House
In the nearby town of Saxman, you'll find the Chief Kashakes House. This house is a significant part of the history of the Tlingit people, who are Native Alaskans. It represents the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the area. It's a reminder of the important leaders and communities that have lived here for centuries.
Saxman Totem Park
Also in Saxman is the incredible Saxman Totem Park. This park is famous for its collection of beautifully carved totem poles. Totem poles are tall wooden carvings made by Native Alaskan artists. They tell stories, honor ancestors, and represent important events. Visiting the park is a fantastic way to learn about the art and history of the Tlingit people.
Totem Bight State Historic Site
Another amazing place to see totem poles and learn about Native Alaskan culture is the Totem Bight State Historic Site. Located on Revillagigedo Island, this site features a recreated Native Alaskan village with a community house and many totem poles. It's a peaceful and educational place where you can imagine life in a traditional Alaskan village.
Historic Lighthouses
Ketchikan Gateway Borough is also home to some historic lighthouses that guided ships safely through the waters.
Guard Island Lighthouse
The Guard Island Lighthouse is located on the Guard Islands, not far from Ketchikan. Lighthouses were super important for sailors, especially in Alaska's often foggy and stormy weather. This lighthouse helped ships navigate the tricky waters of the Clarence Strait and Tongass Narrows.
Mary Island Light Station
Further south, you'll find the Mary Island Light Station. This lighthouse also played a crucial role in maritime safety, guiding vessels between the Revillagigedo Channel and Felice Strait. These lighthouses are not just old buildings; they are symbols of safety and the brave people who kept them running.
Tree Point Lighthouse
The Tree Point Lighthouse is another historic beacon located on the mainland's western coast. It marked the southern entrance to the Revillagigedo Channel. These lighthouses are important reminders of Alaska's strong connection to the sea and its history of shipping and fishing.
Other Notable Buildings
Many other buildings in Ketchikan are on the National Register because of their unique architecture or their role in the community's past.
First Lutheran Church
The First Lutheran Church is a beautiful example of historic architecture in Ketchikan. Churches often serve as important community centers and their buildings can tell us a lot about the people who lived there.
Gilmore Building
The Gilmore Building is another historic structure in Ketchikan. Buildings like this show us how the town grew and developed over time. They often housed businesses or homes that were central to daily life.
Ketchikan Federal Building
The Ketchikan Federal Building is an important government building that has served the community for many years. Its architecture and history reflect the role of federal services in Alaska.
The Star
Also on Creek Street, you'll find a building simply called The Star. This building is part of the vibrant history of Creek Street and adds to the unique character of the area.
Former Listings
Sometimes, a property might be removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This can happen if the building is changed too much, or if it is destroyed. In Ketchikan Gateway Borough, two properties were once listed but are no longer on the Register:
- Ayson Hotel
- McKay Marine Ways
Even though they are no longer listed, these places were once recognized for their historical importance to the area.
| Name on the Register | Image | Date listed | Location | City or town | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Burkhart-Dibrell House |
 |
(#82004902) |
500 Main Street 55°20′38″N 131°38′54″W / 55.343889°N 131.648333°W |
Ketchikan | |
| 3 | Chief Kashakes House |
 |
(#93000338) |
Mile 2.5 South Tongass Highway 55°19′05″N 131°35′49″W / 55.318170°N 131.597078°W |
Saxman | |
| 4 | Clover Pass School |
(#05000898) |
Potter Road off Knudson Cove Road 55°28′22″N 131°47′32″W / 55.4728°N 131.7922°W |
Knudson Cove | ||
| 5 | Creek Street Historic District |
 |
(#14000454) |
Creek St., Married Man's Trail & Totem Way 55°20′32″N 131°38′30″W / 55.3423°N 131.6417°W |
Ketchikan | |
| 6 | First Lutheran Church |
 |
(#87000716) |
1200 Tongass Avenue 55°20′43″N 131°39′28″W / 55.345278°N 131.657778°W |
Ketchikan | |
| 7 | Gilmore Building |
 |
(#89001415) |
326 Front Street 55°20′32″N 131°38′52″W / 55.342361°N 131.647778°W |
Ketchikan | |
| 8 | Guard Island Lighthouse |
 |
(#03001378) |
Guard Islands in the Clarence Strait at the northern end of Tongass Narrows, 9.6 miles northwest of Ketchikan 55°25′52″N 131°51′46″W / 55.431111°N 131.862778°W |
Ketchikan | |
| 9 | Ketchikan Federal Building |
 |
(#05000897) |
648 Mission St. 55°20′30″N 131°38′34″W / 55.341667°N 131.642778°W |
Ketchikan | |
| 10 | Ketchikan Ranger House |
 |
(#87000645) |
309 Gorge St. 55°20′50″N 131°39′32″W / 55.347222°N 131.658889°W |
Ketchikan | |
| 11 | Mary Island Light Station |
 |
(#05000645) |
Eastern shore of the northern end of Mary Island, between the Revillagigedo Channel and Felice Strait about 6-3/8 miles south of Revillagiedo 55°05′57″N 131°10′53″W / 55.099167°N 131.181389°W |
Ketchikan | |
| 12 | Saxman Totem Park |
06.jpg) |
(#79003758) |
S. Tongass Highway 55°19′11″N 131°35′41″W / 55.319722°N 131.594722°W |
Saxman | |
| 13 | Stedman-Thomas Historic District |
 |
(#96000062) |
Stedman, Thomas, Inman, Brown, and Tatsudu Sts. 55°20′25″N 131°38′17″W / 55.340278°N 131.638056°W |
Ketchikan | |
| 14 | Storehouse No. 3 |
 |
(#77001575) |
Northeast of Ketchikan at Halibut Bay Estuary 55°14′08″N 130°06′05″W / 55.235556°N 130.101389°W |
Ketchikan | |
| 15 | The Star |
 |
(#93000336) |
5 Creek St. 55°20′35″N 131°38′22″W / 55.343056°N 131.639444°W |
Ketchikan | |
| 16 | Totem Bight State Historic Site |
.jpg) |
(#70000916) |
Western side of Revillagigedo Island 55°25′23″N 131°46′17″W / 55.423056°N 131.771389°W |
Ketchikan | |
| 17 | Tree Point Lighthouse |
 |
(#04001177) |
Western coast of the mainland on the eastern side of the southern entrance to the Revillagigedo Channel, about 4.25 miles north of Cape Fox 54°48′10″N 130°56′02″W / 54.802778°N 130.933889°W |
Ketchikan | |
| 18 | Walker-Broderick House |
 |
(#82004903) |
541 Pine St. 55°20′40″N 131°38′48″W / 55.344583°N 131.646667°W |
Ketchikan | |
| 19 | Ziegler House |
 |
(#85001161) |
623 Grant St. 55°20′40″N 131°38′43″W / 55.344444°N 131.645278°W |
Ketchikan |
Former listings
| Name on the Register | Image | Date listed | Date removed | Location | City or town | Summary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ayson Hotel |
(#86003366) |
|
301-305 Stedman St. |
Ketchikan | ||
| 2 | McKay Marine Ways |
(#88001569) |
|
1935 Tongass Ave. |
Ketchikan |
