Ketchikan in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Preserving the Past
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
1. Preserving the Past Marker
Today, the value of Totem Bight’s magnificent carvings is self-evident, but not long ago, things were different.
Culture in Crisis
For untold generations, totem poles were the largest and most visible symbols of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures. The transformed trunks of massive red cedars loomed high above coastal villages representing heroic stories, clan ownership, and great leaders.
But at the turn of the 20th century, religious missionaries and a U.S. Government policy of assimilation discouraged Alaska Natives from practicing the culture of their ancestors. As the oldest of the totem poles fell, new poles were not carved to replace them. If the tradition was not rekindled, the art of totem carving would have been lost forever.
Seeds of Renewal
During the 1930s, there was a shift in the cultural winds. Faced with the extinction of totem pole carving, Native elders and influential organizations began calling for totem pole salvage and restoration. In 1938, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), led by the U.S. Forest Service and a care group of Native master carvers, began restoring and reproducing totem poles representing
this page online
Continuing Contributions
Totem Bight State Historical Park resulted from an effort to preserve and support the art of totem pole carving and to inform visitors about the region’s first people in helping to perpetuate Native carving. Totem Bight has earned a place in the history of Alaska as well as in the culture of totem carving. Poles that were carved during the CCC-era are now being restored and copied with the help of new generations of carvers – each echoing the works of their ancestors, just like they had in the past.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. A significant historical year for this entry is 1938.
Location. 55° 25.201′ N, 131° 46.371′ W. Marker is in Ketchikan, Alaska, in Ketchikan Gateway Borough. It can be reached from Totem Bight Road. Marker is located in Totem Bight State Historical Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9883 North
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
2. Preserving the Past Marker
The Preserving the Past marker is seen here on the left.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Alaska, in Tlingit and Haida & Tsimshian Region. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, in the Inside Passage, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Aging in the Elements (here, next to this marker); A Look Into the Clan House (here, next to this marker); Houses of Heritage (here, next to this marker); Clan House Construction (here, next to this marker); Transforming Trees (a few steps from this marker); Original Artists (a few steps from this marker); Continuing the Cycle (a few steps from this marker); Understanding Totem Poles (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ketchikan.
More about this marker. The marker contains pictures of carvers working a totem poles.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
3. Totem Pole Under Restoration
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
4. Totem Pole Work in Progress
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
5. Clan House at Totem Bight
In addition to many totem poles, this clan house was restored in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 16, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
