Ketchikan in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)

Transforming Trees

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026

1. Transforming Trees Marker

Inscription.
Native carvers took huge western red cedar and transformed them into magnificent totem poles.

Respect for the Totem Tree
Highly respected, commissioned artists usually carved totem poles. The carver generally selected red cedar because of its straight, clear-grained wood. The tree faller addressed the spirit of the tree with a prayer asking it to fall in the right direction without splitting, and for the artist’s best work to go into the carving. A combination of controlled fire and chopping brought it down. Removing the limbs, stripping the bark and adzing the sapwood prepared the tree for carving.

Traditional Tools
The owner of the pole commissioned the carver to place certain crests and figures in a particular order, but the portrayal was up to the carver. After drawing the design on the log with charcoal, carvers went to work with bone-pointed drills, wooden wedges, stone hammers, chisels, adzes and knives. The tool’s cutting blades were made of stone, antler, beaver teeth, shells or iron. The paints were made of natural pigments.

Raising a Monument
A totem pole was hidden from view until the time came to raise it. Crossbars

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supported the pole as helpers carried it to the selected site. To raise the pole, some helpers pulled with cedar bark ropes, while others propped and steadied it with poles to seat the pole in its pre-dug hole. Once in place facing the sea the owner usually hosted a potlatch to formally introduce the pole with stories and meanings of its carved figures.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 55° 25.205′ N, 131° 46.366′ 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 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.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026

2. Transforming Trees Marker

Two markers are at this location. The Transforming Trees marker is seen here on the left.

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: Original Artists (here, next to this marker); Preserving the Past (a few steps from this marker); Aging in the Elements (a few steps from this marker); A Look Into the Clan House (a few steps from this marker); Houses of Heritage (a few steps from this marker); Clan House Construction (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 men carving a totem pole. Also appearing is a picture of tools that carvers use.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026

3. Transforming Trees Marker

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026

4. Totem Pole

This totem pole is located not far from the marker.

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. submitted on September 16, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.