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The corner post and screen inside Chief Shakes Tribal House |
Wrangell, throughout its history, has been influenced by a variety of cultural and economic activities. From its earliest period of occupation, perhaps as far back as 8,000 years ago, people have taken advantage of Wrangell's unique setting. Petroglyphs found concentrated in the Wrangell area, give evidence for this early occupation. |
Wrangell is the only community in Alaska to be governed by 4 nations and under 3 flags: Tlingit Nation, Russia, Britain, and the United States. Other cultures have influenced Wrangell including the Chinese that were imported to work in the fish canneries and the Japanese active in the timber industry.
Economic activities that shaped Wrangell as a community have been typically based on the substantial natural resources surrounding the community. Fur trading, mining, fishing and timber harvesting all placed Wrangell on the map as the center of commerce in Southeast Alaska. Over time, population centers shifted, but Wrangell residents continue to work hard, creating a new chapter in the town's rich, colorful and unique legacy.
A face carved in rock
at Petroglyph Beach
The Stikine Tlingits were recognized as the most powerful Tlingit group in existence during the late 1700s, the period of European exploration. The Tlingits had well established trade relationships with the Tahltans of interior Alaska and Canada, other Tlingit groups to the North and the Haida and Tsimshian to the South. They had well established communities, and a highly developed social structure equaling those found in Europe at the time. Visit the Wrangell Museum, Chief Shakes Tribal House, Kik-Setti Totem Park, and Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park for more insight into Wrangell's Native culture.
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