In Susan Jeffreys book, A Legacy Built to Last, she talks about how there was a certain gentleman in town. Why are there so many abandoned places in Alaska? This remote area truly offers a one-of-a-kind visitor experience. The city holds almost half of the population of Alaska and is one of the largest cities by area in the United States. Photographer: Ray B. Dame. Every weekday we compile our most wondrous stories and deliver them straight to you. Built in 1859, Four Mile House is named for its location. Have you visited any of these abandoned places in Alaska? It was built in 1915 by A.J. Although this road trip only graces the surface of the many abandoned places in Alaska, its a great start to ease you into the alarming and positively mind-blowing remnants from the past. Not only is it the oldest building in Alaska but it's also supposedly haunted. The front facade is divided into two sections: the left with a projecting bay section, and the right with a gabled porch. Fort Snelling in Minnesota, Castillo de San Marcos in Florida, and Fort Mackinac in Michigan were all started for military reasons. According to the "bible" of Ketchikan historic properties, the 1987 historic properties survey, the oldest building in Ketchikan is the Pioneer's Hall, which interestingly enough was the location of the customs house after the customs function was moved from Mary Island to Ketchikan in 1902. The Pioneer's Hall was originally built by local promoter - and lawman - Orlando Wells "Six Shooter" Grant. In 1907 Captain Carroll, then over 70 years old, sold the store to the Masons. But one of those buildings is the answer to the question, what is the oldest building in "Ketchikan.". But the question also arises over which building is actually the oldest. That store was called "The Anchorage." Built in 1949, the compound was renowned as the City Under One Roof and was used as a secret and self-contained military base. Listing ID#22898. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Own Work of User:Thomson200 Only buildings built prior to 1880 are suitable for inclusion on this list, or the building must be the oldest of its type. 25 Famous Alaska Landmarks Prince William Sound, Gulf of Alaska Kayak Island, Gulf of Alaska Bering Expedition Landing Site, Kayak Island Kodiak Island, Gulf of Alaska Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, Kodiak Island Alaska SeaLife Center, Seward Kenai Fjords National Park, Seward Alaska Native Heritage Center, Anchorage The Kennecott Mines are an excellent historical attraction. Built between 1804 and 1808, the building known variously as the Erskine House, Kodiak History Museum and the Russian-American Magazin survived the 1912 Katmai volcanic eruption, two world wars and the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, as well as numerous smaller earthquakes. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. It is most noted for being the location of 1915 meeting between U.S. government officials and 6 Alaska Native leaders to negotiate Alaska Native Rights. We Dare You To Visit These Abandoned Places In Alaska - Only In Your State It was built in 1915 by early resident and prominent business owner, Oscar Anderson. It was also a store. But its just the old house settling into its bones. Bridges may be included if they otherwise fulfill the above criteria. List of National Historic Landmarks in Alaska, Adak Army Base and Adak Naval Operating Base, Attu Battlefield and U.S. Army and Navy Airfields on Attu, Cape Nome Mining District Discovery Sites, Dutch Harbor Naval Operating Base and Fort Mears, U.S. Army, East of Kennicott Glacier, about 6.5 miles (10.5km) north of, Kodiak Naval Operating Base and Forts Greely and Abercrombie, On Flaxman Island, about 58 miles (93km) west of, South of Kardy Lake, about 3.5 miles (5.6km) southwest of, Mile 6.9 of Halibut Point Road, about 6 miles (9.7km) north of, Sitka Naval Operating Base and U.S. Army Coastal Defenses. It's also different if you define "Ketchikan" as the areas of the community that are on the road system. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. [2] The Secretary of the Interior reviews nominations and, based on a set of predetermined criteria, makes a decision on NHL designation or a determination of eligibility for designation. Built in 1915 by Tony and Florence Wendler, it is the oldest commercial building in the city. Fixing a historic building isnt easy, and the Magazin has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1962, which means that repairs must meet certain standards when it comes to the look of the building. Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Carlsonjjohn. 429. When Im in here alone Im usually the first one in the building and Im in here alone on a really windy day, the building creaks and moans and you can hear the wind moving through the building, Bach said. The views are excellent and there are trails for all levels to explore the scenic area. Shows evidence of several separate cultures, dating back as far as 6000 BC. The Alaska Engineering Commission Cottage No. "The abandoned . Or at least, the Erskines housekeeper thought so, Bachsaid. The original Anchorage Hotel building was built in 1916; the current hotel building, which was constructed as an annex to the hotel, opened in 1936. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) After a survey found significant structural problems with Alaska's oldest building, the city of Kodiak and the historical society that operates the 214-year-old structure have begun an ambitious project to repair and preserve it. A $350,000 grant will be used to renovate the 150-year-old Russian Orthodox church and its icons. An archaeological site located along an ancient beach and modern river. LORING: Once a Serious Rival to KetchikanBy JUNE ALLEN Major renovations didn't take place until the 20th century. Damage from the 1964 Good Friday earthquake was too severe to rebuild, so the home was then relocated to its present location in Anchorage in 1965. It is constructed from tabby, a type of concrete comprised of lime, water, sand, oyster shells, and ash. Everything inside and out has been broken and vandalized. Wendler to operate as a grocery store, with its owner's apartments situated above, on the second floor. Alaska Public Media 2023. 25, Alaska Engineering Commission Cottage No. They moved into areas that previously didnt have any occupants and quickly set up towns. Includes a large midden yielding information about Eskimo culture in the area. ), the federal government project to build the Alaska Railroad. Photo courtesy Coastal Keller Williams Realty According to Jeffreys book, Carolyn Erskine Andrews writes in her memoir that years after the murder, a human skeleton was found in the woods. The murder weapon was found nearby. The house was built about 1917 for Leopold David (1878-1924), an early resident of Anchorage and its first mayor, elected in 1920. The house was built in 1639 for Reverend Henry Whitfield, the leader of an English Puritan community and the founder of Guilford. Natural disasters alone have attributed directly to entire communities being abandoned in the Last Frontier, many of which were never able to rebound or rebuild. It is the oldest commercial building in the city. Which one? The consequences of not doing so may be significant. Begich Towers: An Alaskan Town in a Tower - Sometimes Interesting Also the site of historic Tlingit and Russian forts. And Ketchikan has a very high per capita number of buildings that are actually on the National Register of Historic Properties. The area along the eastern shore of Knik Arm has been home to Athabascan villages for at least several hundred years. McIntyre was a worker for the Alaska Commercial Company and he was sitting in the dining room with a bunch of other individuals who were here visiting people from town and they were just finishing up dinner and, according to eyewitnesses, a very loud shot rang out, Bach said. The 312 Front Street Focsle Bar was retired in 2009 after its 72-year run as one of Ketchikans favorite drinking spots. Photo courtesy Historic Ketchikans 2011 Survey of Historic Properties. At one time the Russian Mission Orphanage, the Russian Bishop's House is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark. Chief Kahshakes totems and residence. photographs that appear in SitNews are considered protected by copyright It is visible just to the left of the Stedman Hotel The simply stated Focsle facade--understated by comparison to its ornate neighbor, the Stedman Hotel--changed little during its first 75 years. These historic landmarks in Alaska are truly as fascinating and unique as the history of Alaska. These towns were more temporary in nature because when a strike played out, meaning all the gold had been mined, they were quick to pack up and move to the next area where gold was found. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Tell us about it in the comments below! And when we moved these heavy things off the floor, there was one spot in the middle of that building where the floor bounced like a diving board, Harrington said. A museum since 1904, it is the oldest stone house in New England. 23. Which can be problematic for an employer, he pointed out, especially as the nights grow longer in the winter. The Ultimate Alaska Waterfalls Road Trip Is Here And Its Incredible, The Christmas Lights Road Trip Through Alaska Thats Nothing Short Of Magical, This Haunted Road Trip Will Lead You To The Scariest Places In Alaska, The Ultimate Alaska Natural Wonders Road Trip Is Right Here And Youll Want To Do It, 7 Unforgettable Road Trips To Take In Alaska Before You Die, The Story Behind The Remnants Of This Abandoned Train In Alaska Is Truly Fascinating, These 12 Unbelievable Ruins In Alaska Will Transport You To The Past, This Abandoned Ghost Town In Alaska Is Loaded With History, this tour through an old gold mine in Alaska that will transport you back in time, this eerie abandoned hotel in Alaska that's guaranteed to give you the chills, this haunted road trip that will lead you to Alaskas scariest places. The Buckner Building once housed the entire city of Whittier, Alaska. Home Alaska's unique spirit and identity Alaska's National Historic Landmarks are special places that illustrate powerful stories of conflict and achievement. It's the final stop on this road trip to some of the most fascinating abandoned places in Alaska. Thats only the start of the problem:The survey completed this springfound leaking windows, rot in the wooden structure, pipes with the potential to leak onto irreplaceable historical records, and issues caused by the buildings lack of a foundation. Established by a Jesuit priest in 1692, Mission San Xavier was constructed in the American Indian village of Wa:k (Bac in Spanish) onTohono O'odham tribal land inwhat is now Tucson. There are 50 National Historic Landmarks (NHLs) in the state. This place probably has one or two good Alaska ghost stories to come out of it! It's also Alaska's oldest building in general, being one of just four buildings remaining from when the state was a Russian territory. In 2009,extensive floodingdamaged documents at the Alaska State Archives, and a burst pipe at Anchorages Loussac Libraryharmed its historic Alaska collectionin 2017. In 1926, the home was moved to the coastal community of Seward on the head of Resurrection Bay. Sometime later he was shot by an unidentified hunter or trapper.. Although it was briefly repurposed as a private ranch residence, it was eventually returned to the Catholic Church. Numbers represent an alphabetical ordering by significant words. Image Courtesy of Free commercial use No photo credits required. The archeological district comprises 114 ancient beach ridges which formed nearly 60 years apart. In order to qualify for the list, a structure must: This consciously excludes ruins of limited height, roads and statues. As part of that process, restorers moved exhibit cases that had been in place for decades. The Oscar Anderson House Museum is one of the oldest homes in Anchorage. Historic frontier Gold Rush town and trail leading to, The public library for Fairbanks from its construction in 1909 until the opening of the. This lengthy trip takes about 24 hours and covers roughly 1200 miles of terrain, making it best to break it up into a few days period. Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. Almost 100 structures remain from the gold rush era in downtown Skagway. Courtesy 2002 to SitNews by the Ketchikan Museums, It is a 1-1/2 story bungalow-style house with a wooden frame structure. Alaska Public Media 2023. Check out all the fun things you can do in Lake Louise State Recreation Area on the, To get the full scoop on this wild place, be sure to check out, This abandoned gold mining town has been transformed over the years and used to be a popular tourist spot. SitNews does not sell photographs. People arent particularly allowed in, but until recently, there was nothing stopping people from going in to explore the huge building. 3. SITNEWS - September 26, 2003, Ketchikan took shape 120 years ago (Update: 136 years ago) By DAVE KIFFER If you love hitting the wide-open road, you dont want to miss this haunted road trip that will lead you to Alaskas scariest places. Contact Dave at dave@sitnews.us. It is home to possibly the oldest building in the Anchorage area, St. Nicholas Orthodox church. In fact, it was a much larger community than Ketchikan into the early 1900s. One of three Hudson's Bay Company posts set up in Alaska. Alaska is the gateway for the earliest Americans 14,000 years ago and is home to generations of ancient and present-day Arctic cultures. Built in 1826 by the Russian American Fur Company to help acclimate indigenous population in Russian Alaska. Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center - 625 C Street - Anchorage, AK 99501 The warehouse, which housed workers in the 19th century and was later the residence of businessman W. J. Erskine and his family, was the site of a murder in 1886. Gallagher Flint Station Archeological Site, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, National Register of Historic Places listings in Alaska, List of U.S. National Historic Landmarks by state, "National Historic Landmarks Program: Questions & Answers", "Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 65", "Sitka Naval Operating Base and U.S. Army Coastal Defenses", "National Historic Landmarks Survey: List of NHLs by State", "National Historic Landmark Program: NHL Database", "National Historic Landmark Program: Withdrawal of NHL Designation", U.S. National Register of Historic Places, History of the National Register of Historic Places, List of jails and prisons on the National Register of Historic Places, University and college buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, National Register of Historic Places portal, Full list of all state parks, recreation areas and sites, historic parks and sites, and marine parks, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_National_Historic_Landmarks_in_Alaska&oldid=1150618788, Lists of National Historic Landmarks by state, Lists of National Register of Historic Places in Alaska, Lists of buildings and structures in Alaska, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, An archeological site located in Kodiak Island Borough, In 1867, site of Russian flag lowering and American flag raising marking the transfer of Alaska to the, Site of earliest signs of human occupation in the, Site of bloody battle in which only 29 of 2,500 Japanese survived, only land battle on U.S. soil during, Site of first recorded contacts between natives and Europeans. In fact, if it had been successful in getting the Federal Government to relocate the Mary Island Customs Station - the official entry point for all vessel traffic from the South - to Loring rather than Ketchikan, the subsequent history of both communities would have turned out differently and Loring could have developed into the primary community in Southern Southeast Alaska. Eklutna's Orthodox church may be the oldest building in the Anchorage By clicking Sign Up, you also agree to marketing emails from both Insider and Morning Brew; and you accept Insiders, Visit Insider's homepage for more stories, Burritt on the Mountain living history site, the residence of businessman W. J. Erskine, the grog shop was built between 1826 and 1827, Initially founded in 1776 by Father Lasun, the Mission served as the location for the first film shot in Orange County, Four Mile House is named for its location, comprised of lime, water, sand, oyster shells, and ash. It is the oldest commercial building in the city. An abandoned stretch of highway, deteriorating next to the operational one. The house was built in 1665 by early Dutch settlers. Once stagecoaches were replaced by railroads, the property was turned into a farm. I think that if youve looked over the document, it is comprehensive, and it is overwhelming to say the least, said museum director Sarah Harrington. 10 Oldest Cities in Alaska - Oldest.org Bach says McIntyre immediately slumped over. Saxman's old school house (white building) still stands today and utilized as the City of Saxman's City Hall. Only buildings built prior to 1880 are suitable for inclusion on this list, or the building must be the oldest of its type. The other two are: Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [1] History The community of Portage was abandoned after the 1964 Good Friday earthquake and today isn't much more than an abandoned ghost town. It retired to Pioneer Park in 1955. It was only one example of the way age has taken its toll on the building. The oldest existing building in the City of Ketchikan dates from 1899, so there is at least one building in Saxman which dates from the founding of that community in 1895, the school house/town hall building along the South Tongass Highway. Then, in 1812, the Mission's Great Stone Church collapsed during an earthquake. In addition, two sites in Alaska were designated National Historic Landmarks, but the designation was later withdrawn. Creating your own self-guided walk in Anchorage is easy and fun. This small city where almost everyone lives in the same building can only be reached via North America's longest tunnel. Ketchikan did not become an official city until 1900 and its earliest development dates from the mid 1880s, so as a community its oldest existing buildings pale in comparison to structures in Kodiak and Sitka which date from 1800. The Salty Dawg Saloon was established in 1897. Visitors loved experiencing all of the remnants from the past while many chose to stay in old miners' barracks that have been restored to hotel rooms. Offer available only in the U.S. (including Puerto Rico). Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders. photos to editor@sitnews.us. And so does McIntyres ghost.