Wrangell: the Crossroads of Cultures – A city ruled by Four Nations

Published on by Daydream Under The Stars

2 minutes read
Be prepared to explore the third oldest and only Alaskan city ruled by four nations. Situated in the Tongas National Forest, walk through time discovering 5,000 years of Wrangell’s history.

1 – Tlingit from 5,000 BC to 1834

Archeological evidence traces the first pre-historic village sites in Alaska and British Columbia (Canada) around 5,000 years ago. According to the Tlingit oral history, ancestors arrived in Wrangell as they navigated the Stikine River and floated under a glacier. They discovered a lush island and abundant resources. 

Tlingit Family – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection
Teeyhittaan Clan Hat – Leader of all Ravens Hat

The today Alaska/Canadian territory was initially divided into 16 Tlingit tribes.

Traditional Tlingit Country – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection

In the winter, Tlingit Tribes regrouped and settled in large villages including between 5 to 20 longhouses. Longhouses served as storage and sleeping quarters for different families, welcoming up to 50 people. 

Chief Shakes Longhouse built in 1940
Wrangell’s inner harbor, location of clan Houses circa 1885 – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection

During the summer season, they established temporary settlements to focus on fishing, hunting, berries, and root gathering. 

Xoots yakw (Brown Bear canoe) in front of Kadashan’s house – Wrangell Harbor, 1898 – Credit Ketchikan Museum, Tongass Historical Collection
Chief Shakes VII in 1940 – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection
The Killer Whale Flotilla Chilkat Robe – Made for Chief Shakes VI in 1904.

The Tlingit settled in the southern end of the island and built Khasitlaan (“Willow Town”), known today as “Old Town.” Communities were economically interdependent as they traded natural resources. Yet, their traditional lifestyle changed with the European contract (new diseases and economic system), and around 1834, they moved to the northern end of Wrangell.

2 – Russia from 1834 to 1840

Starting in 1741 with Russian, European explorers navigated Southeast Alaska’s coastline. 

Wrangell Harbor – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection

By the 1820s, the Russian American Company controlled the fur trade in this region. They developed their networks and relationship with the Stikine Tlingit. To strengthen their position, Lieutenant Dionysius Zarembo purchased land from Chief Shakes’ brother and built a fort in August 1834. Located near the present inner harbor, the Redoubt Saint Dionysius or Fort St. Dionysius included 25 men, plus 25 men on a ship offshore.

Baron Ferdinand Von Wrangell – Manager of the Russian-American Company and Governor of Alaska – Credit Alaska Historical Commission

Russians traded furs like sea otters, beaver, fox, and lynx against goods and supplies.

Did you know?

In the 1820s, Sea Otters were almost extinct after 40 years of fur trade.
Fur Traders – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection

3 – Great Britain from 1840 to 1867

Following a quarrel over the control of the fur trade on the Stikine River between the Russians and the British Hudson Bay Company, an agreement was reached in 1840. Russia leased them Fort St. Dionysius for ten years, including an annual payment of 2,000 otters’ fur.

Fort Wrangell “Bastion” built by the Hudsons Bay Company – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection

The British Hudson Bay Company renamed it Fort Stikine. For the next nine years, the relationship between the British and the Tlingit was tense and hostile. Finally, the British left the fort in 1849 but kept a temporary post in the area.

4 – United States of America from 1867 to present

Challenged to maintain control in the region, Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867. A year later, the U.S. Army built Fort Wrangell. They occupied it at three different periods from 1868 to 1899. 

Fort Wrangell – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection

Did you know?

When Alaska became the 49th State, bells were struck 49 times.
Settlers – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection

From 1861 to 1898, three Gold Rushes – the Stikine River, the Cassiar, and the Klondike – transformed the community bringing the “rough and rowdy.” Wrangell was a lawless Frontier town, described as “hell on wheels” by lawman Wyatt Earp.

Gold seeker – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection

Nevertheless, local businesses expanded to accommodate more than 10,000 stampeders and travelers. As an example, the city included three hotels, two restaurants, two newspapers, and numerous saloons. 

Wrangell Main Street – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection

After these gold rushes boom, logging, milling, and fishing industries developed and played a major role in transforming Wrangell into a modern city. 

Fishermen – Credit Wrangell Museum Collection

Today, Wrangell’s local industries focus on fishing and tourism. For a virtual touristy tour, don’t miss this easy walking itinerary.

Based on my visit on August 2023

Ready to explore Wrangell’s History?

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Plan your visit:

  • Location: The Nolan Center, ​296 Campbell Dr.P.O. Box 1050, Wrangell, AK 99929
  • Hours: 10:00am-5:00pm Monday-Friday, 1:00pm-5:00pm Saturday, closed on Sunday.
  • Admission: $8 per adult.
  • Duration: I spent 2 hours discovering it.
  • Parking: free street parking
  • More information is available at https://travelwrangell.com/wrangell-history

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