Ketchikan in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Aging in the Elements
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
1. Aging in the Elements Marker
A totem pole, freshly carved, painted, and newly erected, has only just begun to take on its shape.
Through Wind & Rain
After years of exposure to the Southeast Alaskan climate, the poles at Totem Bight have been continuously carved by nature, taking their character from the elements. Many environmental factors can affect a totem pole: water speeds decay and causes cracks when the wood dries out; birds can damage a pole by leaving droppings; and lichen growth on the surface of the pole and fungi break down the cellulose in the wood, causing it to lose its strength. Eventually, every totem pole will age to the point where it can be blown over by a strong wind.
Protecting the Poles
Totem poles are traditionally made from red cedar, which Native carvers value for its straight grain and natural resistance to decay and insects. Wood preservation techniques improve the resistance of red cedar and can keep totem poles standing strong for generations. Kerosene based water repellents prevent build up of moisture inside poles. Metal caps guard vulnerable wood and grains from the weather and bird droppings. Borate based fungicides and
this page online
The Shape of Things to Come
Although Totem Bight is dedicated to preserving and displaying totem poles for as long as possible, the park originally began as a means to preserve the art of totem carving itself. When a totem pole can no longer stand safely, a new pole will be carved to take the place of the old. In many forms of art, reproduction is viewed as lesser than the original. Here, imitation allows carvers to emulate the style of their predecessors, bringing their work back into the world by new hands.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities.
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 Tongass Highway, Ketchikan AK 99901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Alaska, in Tlingit and Haida & Tsimshian
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
2. Aging in the Elements Marker
The Aging in the Elements marker is seen here on the right.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Preserving the Past (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 and various totem pole features.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
3. Totem Pole in Totem Bight State Historical Park
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 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 16, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
