Savoonga history

Savoonga is a unique settlement located on St. Lawrence Island in the state of Alaska, USA. The history of this place is closely interwoven with the traditions of the indigenous peoples of the North and the harsh living conditions of the Bering Sea.

Foundation and First Mentions

Unlike many ancient settlements in the region, Savoonga was founded relatively recently — in 1916. Its emergence is directly linked to the development of reindeer herding on the island. As the pastures around the old settlement of Gambell became depleted, a decision was made to organize a new camp in a location with richer vegetation. The first families moved here in 1917 to care for the herd, and what began as a temporary herders' camp quickly turned into a permanent settlement.

Key Factors of Establishment

The development of the town was determined by several important circumstances that allowed the community to establish itself in this territory:

• Geography and Resources: Its location on the northern coast of the island provided convenient access to both pastures and marine hunting grounds.
• Reindeer Herding: The presence of the reindeer herd was the primary reason for the division of the island's community and the founding of the new village.
• Isolation: The distance from the mainland contributed to the preservation of the traditional way of life and the Siberian Yupik language.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of early Savoonga was based on a harmonious combination of reindeer herding and marine hunting. The harvesting of walruses and whales not only provided residents with sustenance but also formed the basis of their cultural identity. The settlement quickly gained fame as the "Walrus Capital of the World." Traditions of walrus ivory carving, which originated in ancient times, received special development here and remain an important part of the local economy and culture to this day.

Major Historical Milestones

• 1916 — Due to the depletion of pastures near the settlement of Gambell, a temporary camp for reindeer grazing was organized, which became the foundation of the future Savoonga.
• 1917 — The first families of reindeer herders move to the new camp for permanent residence, turning it into a full-fledged settlement.
• 1934 — Opening of the post office, officially securing the village's status on the regional map.
• 1963 — Foundation of the local school, which allowed children to receive an education without leaving their native island.
• 1969 — Savoonga receives official city status (City of Savoonga) within the state of Alaska, USA.
• 1971 — Adoption of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA); the island's communities choose land ownership instead of monetary compensation.
• 1970s — A period of active construction of modern housing and infrastructure facilities, replacing old structures.
• Present day — The city asserts its status as the "Walrus Capital of the World," preserving ancient traditions of marine mammal hunting and bone carving.

Stages of Transformation and Development

The evolution of Savoonga from a seasonal camp into a full-fledged municipality is an example of how a traditional community adapts to modernity while preserving its identity. The main milestones of the city's development are connected not so much with industrial growth, but with strengthening autonomy and improving the quality of life in the harsh conditions of the Arctic.

• Transition to Permanent Housing (1920–1930s)
  Significance: The rejection of temporary shelters in favor of stationary wooden houses marked the final transformation of the herders' camp into a settlement with streets and permanent infrastructure.
• Obtaining City Status (1969)
  Significance: Official incorporation as a second-class city within the state of Alaska (USA) allowed for the formation of a local government, management of the municipal budget, and attraction of state funding.
• ANCSA Land Reform (1971)
  Significance: Residents of Savoonga and neighboring Gambell made the historic decision to forego monetary payments in favor of obtaining ownership rights to the land of the entire island. This prevented the sale of plots to outsiders and preserved hunting grounds for the community.
• Construction of the Airport
  Significance: The creation of a reliable runway brought the settlement out of isolation, ensuring regular delivery of mail, provisions, and the possibility of emergency medical evacuation to the mainland.
• Electrification and Technical Equipment
  Significance: The appearance of a diesel power station and stable electricity allowed residents to use freezers, which is critically important for storing stocks of walrus and whale meat for the winter.
• Development of the Educational Environment
  Significance: The construction and expansion of the school gave children the opportunity to receive a full secondary education without leaving their families for boarding schools, which played a key role in passing on the Yupik language and cultural traditions to new generations.

Architectural Appearance and Development Features

The architecture of Savoonga differs radically from the usual urban landscapes of the mainland USA. Here you will not find Gothic, Baroque, or skyscrapers made of glass and concrete. The appearance of the settlement is entirely dictated by the harsh subarctic climate, permafrost, and the necessity of survival in isolation. The urban development of the city can be characterized as an evolution from temporary shelters to modern Arctic functionalism.

Evolution of Styles and Eras

The development of Savoonga progressed in stages, reflecting changes in the community's lifestyle and the availability of building materials:

• Founding Era (1910–1930s) — Traditional Utilitarianism:
  In the first years of the settlement's existence, the architecture was as simple as possible. Traditional Yupik knowledge was used in combination with imported timber. The first dwellings were often small wooden cabins insulated with sod, or semi-subterranean structures that effectively retained heat.
• Mid-20th Century — Timber Frame Construction:
  With the development of regular communication with the mainland, classic Alaskan single-story frame houses began to appear in Savoonga. This period is characterized by a transition to more standardized buildings with gable roofs sheathed in wood or plywood.
• Modern Stage (from the 1970s) — Arctic Modular Style:
  Currently, the dominant style is modern government housing (HUD projects). These are prefabricated modular homes designed specifically for the North. Their main feature is bright vinyl or metal siding that protects against the wind, and, most importantly, the installation of buildings on high piles.

Urban Planning Features

The layout of the city is not subject to a strict geometric grid characteristic of classicism, but rather follows the landscape and the coastline:

• Pile Foundations: Almost all buildings in the city are raised above the ground. This is necessary so that the heat from the house does not melt the permafrost beneath it, which could lead to ground subsidence and the destruction of the structure.
• Infrastructure Corridors: Due to the rocky ground and permafrost, utilities (water supply and sewage) are often laid not underground, but in special insulated boxes above the surface (utilidors) connecting the houses.

Landmark Buildings

In a small settlement, the role of architectural landmarks is played by public buildings that stand out for their size against the background of private housing:

• Hogarth Kingeegan School: The largest and most modern building in the city. It serves not only as an educational center but also as a community gathering place, as well as a shelter during severe storms.
• Presbyterian Church: A modest but important wooden building for local residents, topped with a simple cross. It is an example of religious architecture adapted to the minimalism of the tundra.
• Airport Building and Hangars: Utilitarian metal structures, vital for communication with the outside world, located on the southern outskirts of the residential zone.

Distinguished Residents and Cultural Figures

Despite its remoteness and small population, Savoonga has given the world talented craftsmen, wise leaders, and active nature defenders. The residents of the city carefully preserve the memory of those who made an invaluable contribution to the development of the community and the preservation of the unique culture of the Siberian Yupiks within the USA.

• Hogarth Kingeegan
  Elder, educator
  A respected community leader who played a key role in the establishment of the education system on the island in the mid-20th century. He actively advocated for children to be able to study in their home village without being separated from their families. In recognition of his merits, the local school bears his name (Hogarth Kingeegan Memorial School).
• Annie Alowa
  Environmental activist, healer
  A renowned human rights defender who dedicated her life to fighting for the environmental safety of St. Lawrence Island. She played a decisive role in drawing the authorities' attention to the problem of cleaning up the territory of a former military facility at Northeast Cape, defending the health of local residents and the purity of traditional hunting grounds.
• Ronald Apangalook
  Artist, bone carver
  One of the most famous contemporary masters of carving walrus ivory and whalebone. His works, distinguished by high detail and dynamism, are presented in many galleries and private collections around the world, popularizing the ancient art of the inhabitants of the Bering Sea.
• George Noongwook
  Whaling captain, researcher
  An authoritative leader and captain who headed the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) for many years. He made a significant contribution to the scientific study of marine mammals, combining the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples with modern academic science.
• Delbert Pungowiyi
  Community leader, tribal council president
  A modern leader and active participant in international forums dedicated to Arctic issues. He is known for his speeches on the impact of climate change on the traditional way of life of the islanders, serving as the voice of his people on the world stage.