Klawock history

The history of the settlement of Klawock is inseparably linked with the Tlingit people. Originally, this location served as a winter village for the clan known as the Henya. The modern stage of development began in 1868 when entrepreneur George Hamilton established a trading post here. A landmark event was the opening of the first salmon cannery in Alaska in 1878, which predetermined the future of the settlement.

The transformation of a traditional village into a significant locality in the USA was driven by several key factors. The primary driver was the incredible abundance of salmon in local waters, which served as the foundation for economic growth and attracted the first industrialists. Furthermore, the favorable geographic location on Prince of Wales Island in a protected bay facilitated the development of maritime navigation and active trade.

The economy of the early period depended entirely on fishing and the operation of the cannery, which provided jobs for the local population. Culturally, the city has preserved a strong connection to Tlingit traditions. Klawock is known as a centre for the art of wood carving; the heritage of creating totem poles is carefully preserved here, serving not only as decorations but as an important historical archive of the local community.

• 1868: Entrepreneur George Hamilton establishes a trading post at the site of the Tlingit winter camp, kickstarting the settlement's development.
• 1878: The first cannery in Alaska opens, making Klawock the centre of the region's nascent fishing industry.
• 1882: An official post office is established, integrating the village into the state communication system of the USA.
• 1886: Presbyterian missionaries open the first school, providing access to education for the local population.
• 1929: The settlement is officially incorporated, receiving city status and forming a municipal government.
• 1939: With the support of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a unique totem park is created to preserve cultural heritage.
• 1971: Under the federal ANCSA law, the "Klawock Heenya" corporation is formed to manage the land resources of the indigenous inhabitants.
• 1973: Construction of a bridge is completed, connecting the city to the road network of Prince of Wales Island and simplifying logistics.
• 1980s: Alongside fishing, the timber industry begins to play a key role in the city's economy.
• 2000s: A large-scale modernization of the airport is conducted, becoming an important transport hub with the only paved runway on the island.

The main stages of the formation of the city of Klawock reflect the journey from a traditional Tlingit settlement to a key transport and industrial hub on Prince of Wales Island. Each of these events played a decisive role in shaping the modern appearance of the city.

• Foundation of the Trading Post (1868). The creation of a permanent trading station by George Hamilton became the starting point for integrating the local economy into the trade system of the USA, turning a seasonal village into a year-round commercial centre.
• Start of Alaska's Industrial Revolution (1878). The opening of the region's first cannery not only provided jobs but also secured the city's status as a pioneer of the northern fish processing industry, defining the economic vector of development for a century to come.
• Acquisition of Municipal Status (1929). Official incorporation allowed for the formation of local authorities, an education system, and public utilities, laying the foundation for the growth of the permanent population.
• Heritage Preservation (1939). The creation of the famous totem park saved unique examples of carving from destruction and turned the settlement into an important cultural centre attracting researchers and tourists.
• Land Reform and Self-Governance (1971). The passing of the ANCSA law and the formation of the "Klawock Heenya" corporation gave local residents real control over land and natural resources, ensuring an economic base for the indigenous community.
• Transport Breakthrough (1973–2000s). The construction of a bridge to the island's road network and the modernization of the airport with the only paved runway in the district made the city the main logistical "gateway" of the region.

The architectural appearance of Klawock differs significantly from the familiar urban landscapes of large metropolises. Here you will not find Gothic cathedrals or pompous Baroque buildings. The urban structure of the settlement is shaped by the harsh climate, island geography, and the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples. The city's development represents a unique fusion of traditional Tlingit motifs, industrial utilitarianism of the frontier era, and modern practical Alaskan architecture.

The development of the urban environment occurred linearly, following the coastline of the bay, which is typical for many fishing settlements in the USA in this region. Historically, the layout was dictated by access to water—the main transport artery. The modern city retains the features of a low-rise settlement, where wooden structures dominate, harmoniously blended into the forested landscape of Prince of Wales Island.

Architectural Styles and Historical Eras

• Traditional Indigenous Architecture (pre-1868 and modern revitalization). Originally, architecture was represented by clan "longhouses" made of red cedar. Although historical residential buildings have practically not survived, this style is being revived in public buildings. A key element is the totem poles, serving as monumental chronicles and architectural landmarks.
• Industrial Functionalism (Late 19th – Mid 20th Century). With the advent of the cannery, a type of development focused on production emerged. These are simple frame buildings, warehouses, and piers on piles, clad in wood or corrugated metal. The style is characterized by a lack of decor, steep gable roofs for precipitation drainage, and maximum practicality.
• Alaskan Vernacular Architecture (Modernity). The housing stock is represented by one- and two-story frame houses adapted to high humidity and winds. Modern materials (siding, metal roofing) are used in construction, but the traditional love for wood and open verandas remains.

Iconic Structures and Districts

On the scale of a small town, the attractions are of a cultural and historical nature rather than monumental, forming the unique atmosphere of the place.

• Klawock Totem Park. The city's main architectural and artistic attraction. One of the largest collections of totem poles in Alaska (21 monuments) is gathered here, set on an elevation. It is an open-air museum where vertical carved poles create a special rhythm of space and connect the modern city with its ancient history.
• Community Centre and School. Examples of modern public architecture integrating cultural codes. The facades and interiors of these buildings are often decorated with elements of traditional painting in the formline art style, emphasizing the identity of the local community.
• Harbour District. A place where history and modernity intertwine. Here one can see the infrastructure servicing the fishing fleet—from old wooden piers to modern docks that remain the economic heart of the city.

Distinguished Figures of Klawock

The history of the city of Klawock is rich with the names of people who made an invaluable contribution not only to the development of the settlement itself but also to the history of the entire state. From founders of trading posts to civil rights activists and guardians of cultural traditions, these individuals shaped the unique character of the community.

• George Hamilton
  Entrepreneur, founder of the trading post (19th Century)
  A historical figure with whom the modern stage of the city's development began. In 1868, he established a trading post here, which turned the seasonal Tlingit settlement into a permanent commercial centre. His activities laid the foundation for the future industrialization of the area and the attraction of the first industrial enterprises.
• Frank Peratrovich
  Politician, City Mayor, President of the Alaska Senate (1895–1984)
  A native of Klawock who became one of the most influential politicians in the state's history. He was the only Alaska Native to hold the post of President of the Territorial Senate. Frank played a key role in creating the Alaska Constitution in 1955 and defended the interests of his people at the state level for many years.
• Roy Peratrovich Sr.
  City Mayor, Civil Activist (1908–1989)
  An outstanding leader, elected Mayor of Klawock four times. As the Grand President of the Alaska Native Brotherhood (ANB), he, together with his wife Elizabeth, waged an uncompromising struggle against racial discrimination, which led to the adoption of the historic Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945—the first such act in the USA since the Civil War.
• Elizabeth Peratrovich
  Civil Rights Leader (1911–1958)
  Although Elizabeth was born in Petersburg, a significant part of her life and public activity is connected with Klawock, where she lived and raised her children. Her fiery speech before the Alaska Senate in 1945 was a decisive factor in the passing of the equal rights law. Today she is revered as a national heroine and a symbol of the fight for justice.
• Roy Peratrovich Jr.
  Engineer, Sculptor, Artist (1934–2023)
  The son of Roy and Elizabeth, born in Klawock. He became the first Alaska Native to receive a professional civil engineer license. Apart from technical achievements, he became famous as a talented artist and sculptor, whose works in bronze adorn many public places in the state, preserving the visual heritage of the Tlingit.
• Jon Rowan
  Master Carver, Educator (Modern Era)
  A renowned contemporary artist and guardian of traditions. Being a master wood carver, he not only creates new totem poles for parks and museums but also passes on ancient knowledge to the younger generation, teaching the art of carving at the local school. His works can be seen both within the city and beyond its borders.
• Alfred Widmark
  Entrepreneur, Public Figure (20th Century)
  A respected resident of the city, owner of a local store, and an active politician. He served as Mayor of Klawock and was the Grand President of the Alaska Native Brotherhood. His activities contributed to the economic strengthening of the community and the protection of indigenous rights in the mid-20th century.