Buckland history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the settlement is deeply rooted in the traditions of the indigenous peoples of Alaska. Modern Buckland was formed in the first half of the 20th century, when residents began to gradually relocate from their historical site at Elephant Point. The primary reason for this migration was a shortage of natural resources, specifically timber for heating and construction, at their previous place of residence.

Key Factors of Establishment

The development of the community in this remote corner of the USA was defined by harsh climatic conditions and available resources:

• Geographical Location: Situated on the banks of the river bearing the same name, the location provided residents with access to fresh water and mobility, which was vital for an isolated settlement.
• Reindeer Herding: A significant impulse for the village's development was the introduction of organised reindeer herding, which became an important part of the local economy in the 1920s.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The culture of the early period was based on the centuries-old traditions of the Inupiat people. Economic life was inextricably linked to the seasonal cycles of nature: local residents engaged in hunting caribou and beluga whales, as well as fishing. An important feature of the region was also the collection of fossilised ivory, found in the vicinity of the old settlement and used to create handicrafts.

Ancient History and First Expeditions

• Ancient Era: Indigenous Inupiat people inhabit the banks of the river and bay for millennia, engaging in seasonal hunting and fishing.
• 1816: An expedition commanded by Otto von Kotzebue explores Eschscholtz Bay, mapping it geographically.
• 1826: Captain Frederick Beechey names the cape Elephant Point after discovering fossilised mammoth remains there.
• 1893: The region sees the introduction of organised reindeer herding, which becomes a vital part of the local economy.

Development of the Settlement in the 20th Century

• 1920: Buckland is officially recorded in the USA census for the first time as a village with 52 inhabitants.
• 1920s: The community actively moves between the Old Buckland and Elephant Point sites for the convenience of grazing reindeer herds.
• 1941: Residents temporarily relocate to Elephant Point due to a shortage of timber and other resources at the previous location.
• Mid-1950s: Most families return to the site of the modern city, where living conditions proved to be more stable.
• 1960: The census records the restoration of the village's permanent population to 87 people.
• 1966: The settlement officially receives the status of a second-class city on June 6.
• 1971: The community becomes part of the NANA regional corporation following the passage of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

Modern Stage

• 2002: A new modern school building opens, becoming the centre of the city's educational and social life.
• 2020: The population reaches 550 people, confirming the status of a sustainably developing community in the region.

Major Development Milestones and Their Significance

The evolution of the city represents a journey from a seasonal camp to a modern autonomous settlement. The key stages of Buckland's transformation are linked to the creation of infrastructure and the strengthening of local self-governance.

• Transition to Sedentary Life (1950s)
  The final relocation of residents from Elephant Point to the modern site due to the depletion of natural resources.
  Significance: The creation of a permanent urbanised space, allowing a shift from temporary dwellings to capital construction.
• Official Incorporation (1966)
  Obtaining the administrative status of a second-class city.
  Significance: The formation of legitimate local authority, the emergence of a dedicated budget, and the ability to interact directly with USA government structures.
• Economic Integration (1971)
  Joining the NANA regional corporation following the adoption of the ANCSA land act.
  Significance: Ensuring the protection of indigenous rights to land and resources, as well as an influx of investment into the local economy and social programmes.
• Development of Aviation Links
  Construction and modernisation of the local airport.
  Significance: Overcoming geographical isolation, ensuring uninterrupted food supplies, and providing access to emergency medicine.
• Educational Reform (2002)
  Commissioning of the new school complex.
  Significance: The school became not just an educational institution, but also the main cultural centre uniting the community for celebrations and gatherings.
• Engineering Modernisation (2000s – Present)
  Implementation of large-scale projects to introduce centralised water supply and sewage systems.
  Significance: A critically important improvement in sanitary conditions and quality of life in the harsh climatic conditions of the Arctic.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Buckland is a vivid example of adapting human habitation to the extreme conditions of the Arctic. One will not find lavish Baroque palaces or Gothic cathedrals here; urban development was dictated exclusively by considerations of survival, functionality, and the struggle against permafrost. The appearance of the settlement was formed in close connection with the natural landscape and the needs of a small community.

Construction Stages and Stylistic Features

Two conditional stages can be distinguished in the city's development, each characterised by its own approach to construction:

• Settlement Period (Mid-20th Century): When residents finally moved from Elephant Point, the architecture was spontaneous. Houses were built from timber, often transported from old campsites. These were simple one-storey frame structures with gable roofs, devoid of decoration, which can be attributed to the vernacular wooden architecture of Alaska.
• Modernisation Period (From the 1970s to Present): With the acquisition of city status and the influx of government investments in the USA, modern technologies began to be applied. Modular structures and buildings designed with energy efficiency in mind appeared. Stylistically, this direction is close to modern functionalism, where form is entirely subordinate to the task of heat preservation.

Layout Features and Environmental Adaptation

The planning structure of the settlement is linearly stretched along the bend of the Buckland River. This is due to the fact that the river historically served as the main transport artery: for boats in summer, and as an ice route for snowmobiles in winter. A characteristic feature of local "urbanism" is the absence of asphalt roads and the presence of gravel embankments connecting houses.

Most residential and public buildings are elevated above the ground on piles. This key engineering solution performs two functions: it prevents the thawing of permafrost from the heat of the house and protects structures from spring floods, which often occur due to ice jams on the river.

Landmark Structures

In this small city, public buildings play the role of architectural dominants:

• Buckland School: The largest and most modern building in the city, constructed in the early 2000s. It stands out for its size against the background of private housing and serves as the centre of public life.
• Friends Church: A modest but important building for the community, reflecting the strong influence of Quakers in the region. Its architecture is concise and traditional for religious buildings in rural Alaska.
• Infrastructure Objects: The water treatment plant building and airport structures represent examples of purely utilitarian industrial architecture, ensuring the city's vital functions in isolation.

Distinguished Personalities of Buckland

The history and culture of the city are inextricably linked with the names of people who have made an invaluable contribution to the development of the community. The list of notable figures includes both guardians of tradition and local leaders, as well as historical figures whose names remain on the map of the USA.

• Nathan Hadley, Sr.
  Elder, Reindeer Herder
  A respected representative of the community and a hereditary reindeer herder. He made a significant contribution to the preservation of reindeer herding traditions in the region, continuing his father's work and managing the herd even during difficult periods of wild caribou migration. He is an important holder of knowledge regarding traditional land use.
• Percy Ballot, Sr.
  Community Leader, President of the Tribal Council
  A long-standing leader who headed the tribal council "Native Village of Buckland". Known for his active work in protecting the rights of indigenous residents, improving social conditions, and interacting with Alaska's regional corporations.
• Solomon Elook
  Elder, Historian
  A revered resident of the city, known as a keeper of oral history and Inupiat traditions. His memories and knowledge of ancient campsites and the ancestral way of life have become a priceless source for ethnographers and historians studying this region of the Arctic.
• Paul Hadley
  Reindeer Herding Pioneer
  One of the first organisers of systematic reindeer herding in the area in the mid-20th century. His efforts helped turn reindeer breeding into an important part of the local economy, providing residents with food and materials during the settlement's formative period.
• William Buckland
  Geologist, Paleontologist
  A distinguished English scientist and Dean of Westminster. Although he never visited these lands personally, the river upon which the city stands was named in his honour. This name was fixed on maps thanks to 19th-century expeditions and gave the name to the modern settlement.
• Frederick William Beechey
  Naval Officer, Explorer
  A British traveller whose expedition in 1826 explored and mapped Kotzebue Sound and the surrounding area. It was he who named Elephant Point (due to findings of mammoth bones), where the historical settlement of Buckland residents was located for a long time before their move to the modern site.
• Willie Thomas
  Politician, Former Mayor
  A community leader who played a key role in the modernisation of the city's infrastructure. While serving as mayor, he actively promoted projects to introduce modern water supply and sewage systems, as well as ideas for sustainable development for isolated Arctic communities.