Hydaburg history

The history of the city of Hydaburg is unique in that it did not arise spontaneously, but as a result of a conscious decision by the leaders of the indigenous Haida people. The city was officially founded in 1911 through the consolidation of residents from three ancient villages: Howkan, Klinkwan, and Sukkwan. This event became an important milestone in the history of the region, located on Prince of Wales Island in the state of Alaska, USA.

Key Factors of Formation

• Pursuit of Education: The main driving force behind the unification was the desire to provide children with access to a quality school and education recognized by the federal government.
• Geographical Location: The chosen site on the shores of the strait provided convenient access to waterways, which was critically important for navigation and traditional fishing.
• Political Status: The founding of the new settlement was closely linked to the desire of the indigenous people to obtain civil rights and an official status that would allow them to participate in the country's economic life.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the moment of its foundation, the settlement's economy was based on the region's rich natural resources: fishing, salmon processing, and logging. Residents actively developed local infrastructure, creating cooperative enterprises, including shops and a sawmill.

Culturally, the settlement became a center for preserving the identity of the Haida people. Upon moving, the residents brought valuable totem poles with them from the abandoned villages. This allowed for the creation of a unique totem park, which became a symbol of generational continuity and respect for ancestors, combining ancient woodcarving traditions with the new way of life of the early 20th century.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1911: Residents of the villages of Howkan, Klinkwan, and Sukkwan unite to found Hydaburg to ensure their children have access to modern school education.
• 1912: President of the USA William Howard Taft signs an executive order establishing a reservation on the lands surrounding the new settlement.
• 1927: The settlement is officially incorporated, receiving city status in accordance with the laws of the Alaska Territory.
• 1936: Residents approve a constitution and charter for local self-government under the federal Indian Reorganization Act.
• 1939: A large-scale project by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to restore and install historical totem poles is completed.
• 1948: A major fire occurs in the city, destroying the cannery and a significant part of the business district, which dealt a blow to the economy.
• 1971: Adoption of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), which changed the structure of land ownership in the region.
• 1973: Founding of the Haida Corporation, which took over the management of land resources and community assets.
• 1990s: Intensification of efforts to revitalize the Haida language and traditional arts, including woodcarving and weaving.

Infrastructure Development and Cultural Projects

In addition to key historical dates, the modern appearance of the city of Hydaburg has been shaped by important infrastructure transformations and heritage preservation initiatives. These events are not always tied to a specific year but play a decisive role in the quality of life of the community.

• Overcoming Transport Isolation: The construction and paving of the road connecting the city to the main road network of Prince of Wales Island was a turning point. This provided residents with year-round access to ferry crossings and airports in other settlements, significantly simplifying logistics and tourism development.
• Construction of the Traditional Longhouse: The construction of a new public building in the style of classic Haida architecture (Longhouse) became a symbol of cultural revival. This center serves as a venue for traditional ceremonies, potlatches, and gatherings, uniting residents around their roots.
• Modernization of the Educational Environment: The opening of a new school building, equipped with modern technology and sports facilities, confirmed the main priority of the city's founding—access to quality education. The school has become not just an educational institution, but also a center of social life for all ages.
• Cultural Festivals and Camps: The organization of regular cultural camps and celebrations (Haida Culture Camp) has allowed for the systematized transfer of knowledge. Here, elders teach the youth the language, traditional dances, weaving, and carving, turning history into a living practice.

The architectural appearance of the city of Hydaburg differs strikingly from typical urban landscapes. You will not find Gothic cathedrals or Baroque palaces here; the settlement's buildings represent a unique synthesis of traditional architectural forms of the Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast and American wooden house construction of the early 20th century. The urban planning structure is dictated by both the complex terrain and the residents' close connection to the ocean.

Urban Development and Layout

Unlike ancient villages, which often developed spontaneously, Hydaburg was planned from the start. Upon its founding in 1911, a regular layout characteristic of American settlements of that time was applied, but adapted to the needs of a fishing community.

• Orientation to Water: The main development stretches along the shoreline of the strait, as water was historically the main transport artery and source of sustenance.
• Compactness: The residential zone, public buildings, and school are located within walking distance of each other, forming a close-knit neighborhood community.

Architectural Styles and Eras

In the appearance of this settlement in the USA, several key stages of development can be traced, each leaving its mark on the local architecture:

• Traditional Haida Style (Pre-colonial and Revived): Characterized by the use of red cedar, massive post-and-beam constructions, and rich carving. Historically, these were "Longhouses." In modern Hydaburg, this style is revived in public buildings and ceremonial structures adorned with totem symbolism and traditional ornaments.
• Utilitarian Settler Style (1910–1940s): The period of the city's founding and formation. Buildings from this time are simple, functional wooden frame houses with gable roofs, clad in clapboard. This style reflected the community's desire to integrate into the Western economic model and lifestyle.
• Civilian Conservation Corps Era (Late 1930s): A crucial period for the architectural landscape of the city. During this time, the famous Totem Park was created, which is an example of landscape architecture designed to preserve cultural heritage.

Iconic Structures

The city's image is formed not by administrative high-rises, but by objects of cultural significance connecting the past and present:

• Totem Park: The main architectural and artistic dominant feature. A collection of restored and recreated totem poles brought from historical villages is gathered here. It is an open-air museum where vertical architectural forms tell the ancestral stories of clans.
• Modern Community Longhouse: A building constructed in our time, but in strict accordance with the canons of traditional Haida architecture. It serves as the visual center of the city and a venue for potlatches, demonstrating the living connection between generations.

Notable Figures

The history of the city of Hydaburg is inextricably linked with the names of leaders, artists, and keepers of traditions who played a key role in the formation of the community and the preservation of the unique culture of the Haida people in the USA.

• Samuel G. Davis
  Spiritual Leader and Founder
  A Presbyterian minister who became one of the driving forces behind the unification of the ancient villages into a single city in 1911. His vision for the future involved ensuring quality education for children and achieving civil rights for the indigenous population.
• John Wallace (Saaduuts)
  Master Carver
  An outstanding artist who, in the 1930s, led the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) project to restore and recreate totem poles. Thanks to his skill and knowledge, the famous Totem Park was created, preserving ancestral crests and clan histories for descendants.
• Claude Morrison (Kúng Skíis)
  Elder and Language Keeper
  Having lived for over 100 years, he remained one of the last fluent speakers of the unique Alaskan dialect of the Haida language. His contribution to linguistic research and the documentation of oral speech is invaluable for the revitalization of the native language.
• Esther Shea
  Master Weaver and Educator
  A recipient of a national heritage fellowship, she dedicated her life to teaching youth the traditional art of weaving from spruce roots and cedar bark. Her efforts helped keep these complex craft skills alive and relevant.
• Robert Cogo
  Writer and Storyteller
  Author of books and collections of oral traditions who systematized and recorded many legends and stories of his people. His works became an important bridge between ancient traditions and the modern education system.
• T.J. Young
  Contemporary Artist and Carver
  A bright representative of the new generation of masters, whose works adorn not only his hometown but also museums across the country. He actively participated in creating carved elements for the new community Longhouse, continuing the artistic lineage of his ancestors.