Memorable travel to Ketchikan, Alaska
Posted in Historic, Romantic Locations, Scenery, Ship Travel | By Guest Author | Tags: Alaska, Totems, Tours
By Guest Author Peggy Bradshaw
Ketchikan, referred to as “Alaska’s First City,” is the first port of call for all the cruise lines. Because the cruise lines are the lifeblood of the town, the store’s hours in downtown are “whenever the ships are in port.”
World-famous for the abundance of incredible totem poles in the region, Ketchikan is also known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” The amazing thing about Ketchikan is that there are no roads into it from the outside world. Everything must be brought in by boat, ferry or plane – even the garbage truck that reads “Satisfaction Guaranteed or Double Your Garbage Back.”
Located about 650 miles north of Seattle, Ketchikan is approximately a half-mile wide and seven miles long with a population of approximately 13,000.
Totems and other talents
The Tlingit people originally settled the area as a summer fishing camp. The town’s name comes from a Tlingit phrase meaning “eagle with spread-out wings.” Rich in Indian heritage, the Haida, the Tlingit and Tsinshiam are all a part of the city’s colorful history.
Totem Carving in Ketchikan Photo by George Bradshaw
A visit to Saxman Village was the highlight of our time in Ketchikan. During the short bus ride from town, our guide gave us a running dialogue about Ketchikan, the area, and the Native Indians in the area. Saxman Village has the largest gathering of totem poles in the world and the meanings of the figures on the poles were explained, and also how some of the poles came to be carved. This spectacular collection is the site of Tlingit carvings from abandoned towns and cemeteries of the towns and villages in the area.
- Performance at the Beaver Clan House in Ketchikan
Photo by George Bradshaw
A short informative video about the culture and history of the clan and the village, shown in a decorative hall, was first on the agenda. Then we were entertained at the Beaver Clan House with dance and song by local inhabitants in full native attire. The public was invited to participate in the final song and dance, and some brave souls willingly gave it a try. We also visited the Carving Center to see the master carvers at work in creating new poles and carvings and restoring others.
A visit to the gift shop helped us discover items and books to learn more about the village and its people. A walk through the forest surrounding the village introduced us to plants and trees native to the area.
Returning to Ketchikan, we toured Creek Street, the city’s famous former red-light district, which is now a shopping area full of art galleries and unique shops. Also in town, you can see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show which pits teams against each other in lumberjacking skills such as log rolling, axe throwing and tree climbing. There was so much to do in Ketchikan and so little time to do it!
Come back tomorrow for a whale watch!