Stunning Dutch Harbor and Unalaska
You may recall I travelled to Dutch Harbor and Unalaska earlier this summer. (See my post on the ferry ride there at http://lynnlovegreen.com/traveling-on-the-tustumena/.) I had the opportunity to go to one of the most unusual places in Alaska.
It’s unusual for a couple reasons.
One: Unless you’re in the fishing industry or live in the Aleutian Islands, you have to go out of your way to get there. Many Alaskans have been to Juneau or Skagway or anywhere on the road system (Homer, Seward, Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks) because it’s fairly easy to get there. But not to Dutch Harbor—you have to fly or take a four-day ferry to go to Dutch Harbor.
Dutch Harbor port from Ballyhoo
Two: Although most people just say “Dutch Harbor” there are two towns, Dutch Harbor and Unalaska, united by a bridge. Dutch Harbor is the industrial/fishing town, and Unalaska has a more residential, small town feel to it. Originally, Unalaska was the traditional Unangan (Aleut) village and Dutch Harbor was the port, then the military base in the 1930s and 40s—which brings me to why I was there.
Gun emplacement on Bunker Hill
Unalaska from Bunker Hill
I went to do research for my next book about World War II in Alaska. Dutch Harbor was bombed by the Japanese in 1942, and the U.S. Army and Navy had a strong presence there. You can still see bunkers and military buildings all over the area. Plus, the U. S. Government took the Aleuts off the islands and interned them in Southeast Alaska. Evidence of that sad period of our history is also in both towns.
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Aleut internment monument in Unalaska
While I was researching a negative period of our history, I was inspired by all the stories of courage, sacrifice, and generosity. Plus, it is beautiful, even stunning, country out there, and the people were very helpful. I’m glad I went.
Lynn Lovegreen has lived in Alaska for fifty years. After twenty years in the classroom, she retired to make more time for writing. She enjoys her friends and family, reading, and volunteering at her local library. Her young adult historical fiction is set in Alaska, a great place for drama, romance, and independent characters. See her website at www.lynnlovegreen.com. You can also find her on Facebook and Instagram.
5 comments:
Learned something new that I missed or more likely forgot from your 2016 post, Lynn. I certainly knew the US had a strong presence in the Aleutian Islands during WW2 but I didn't know about the internment of Aleut. Thanks for reposting this as we need to remember our history if we want a more inclusive future. I really cannot imagine a 4 day ferry ride! Did you do that or fly in?
Thanks, Judith. We took the ferry there and flew home. Four days is a long time, but more than worth it for the scenery!
Liked your post Lynn!
I know Dutch Harbor quite well through the tv show 'Deadest Catch". The show follows 1/2 a dozen crab boats during the sea of King crab and Opies. We've watched the show for 12 years?. Love the scenery and wildlife. There was one episode several years ago where they spotlighted the WWII and the history of the Aluetians and Dutch Harbor. It was really interesting and part of history I had never heard of. Great post!
Alaska is on my list to visit one day.
Thanks, Diana. I've heard a lot about The Deadlest Catch but didn't watch it--glad they showed some history with the adventure!
That is one place I'd like to see! My son-in-law who is in the Coast Guard and was stationed in Alaska most of his time went to Dutch Harbor a lot. Every time he talked about it, I thought it would be a great place to see. I'll have to read your book to learn more about it!
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