Ketchikan - Totem Bight State Historic Park

In 1938 the U.S. Forest Services began a project to salvage, reconstruct, and create totem poles, a tradition which was dying out. Funds from the Civilian Conservation Corps were used to hire carvers from among the older Natives. Old abandoned totem poles were restored or recreated by these craftsmen who, in the process of this work, were able to pass on their skills to people of the younger generation.

The 14 poles were erected in Totem Bight State Historic Park which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A brochure is available to educate tourists on the typical totem characters and details on the art of totem carving.

Also on the site is a recreated clan house. The design represents the type of clan house, built in the early 19th C in many Indian villages. One large room with a central fireplace could house 30 to 50 people.