Ketchikan in Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)
Original Artists
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
1. Original Artists Marker
The art displayed here at Totem Bight is that of the Tlingit and Haida. Debate continues about how and when the ancestors of those people arrived in the area.
From Where Did They Come?
According to oral narrative, Southeast Alaska Natives have been here from time immemorial. Archeologists found evidence that people crossed a large land bridge which formed between Siberia and Alaska during the ice age. Ocean levels dropped as the glaciers grew during their advance. This exposed a land bridge between Siberia and Alaska over which people migrated. They came into interior Alaska and Canada and it is speculated they continued to this area. A more recent theory suggests these ancestors arrived in boats as part of a coastal migration.
Time for Art
Evidence found so far places residents in this area 9,000 years ago. After the glaciers retreated salmon became plentiful, the stream teemed with shellfish, halibut, otters, and seals and the forest provided shelter, clothing, game and berries. Living in such a rich area freed enough time to allow their culture to develop elaborate ceremonies, rituals, a distinctive art style and a complex
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers.
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. 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: Transforming Trees (here, next to this marker); Preserving the Past (a few steps from this marker); Aging in the Elements (a few steps
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
2. Original Artists Marker
There are two markers at this location. The Original Artists marker is seen here on the right.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 2, 2026
3. Original Artists 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 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 16, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
