Wales Site facts for kids
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Wales Site
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View of the Wales Site, with the city of Wales in the background
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| Location | Address restricted |
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| Nearest city | Wales, Alaska |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000161 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHLD | December 29, 1962 |
The Wales Site is a very important archaeological site in Alaska. An archaeological site is a place where people find old things from the past. The main part of this site is called the Kurigitavik mound. It is located on the Cape Prince of Wales, close to the town of Wales, Alaska. Scientists have found items here from two old cultures: the Birnirk people and the later Thule people. This site was named a National Historic Landmark in 1962 because it is so important for understanding history.
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Where is the Wales Site Located?
The Wales Site is in northwestern Alaska. It sits on the southern coast of the Seward Peninsula. This spot is very near Cape Prince of Wales, which is the westernmost point in North America. This area is special because many old sites are found here. They are located between the village of Wales and the old Tin City Air Force Station.
Exploring the Kurigitavik Mound
The Kurigitavik Mound is a key part of the Wales Site. Its official name is TEL-079. Many archaeologists have studied this mound for a long time.
- In the 1920s, a Canadian expert named Diamond Jenness first looked at the site.
- Later, in the 1930s, Henry B. Collins from the Smithsonian Institution dug there.
- Don Dumond continued the work in the 1970s.
- More recently, Roger B. Harritt led a big study. This work started in the late 1990s and went into the 2000s.
What Was Found at the Site?
Archaeologists found many interesting things at the Wales Site. They uncovered parts of old houses. These houses were built partly underground. In one house, they found walrus skulls placed in a special way. This might have been part of a ritual or ceremony.
They also found tools from a time called the Punuk period (around 800 to 1400 CE). These tools included harpoon heads with barbs. They also found bowls made from baleen, which is a material from whales.
The site is important because it shows how different groups of people used the land over time. These groups came from other parts of Alaska or even from Siberia. They had different ways of life.
Why is the Wales Site Important?
The Wales Site is very important for understanding the past. It helps us learn about ancient cultures in Alaska. Because of its archaeological importance, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1962. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.
