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Alutiiq Natives in Old Harbor, 1888. National Archives.
The Kodiak environment, with its rich marine waters, rocky shores, and verdant meadows, has provided food and raw materials for hunting and gathering societies for many thousands of years. Kodiak's first settlers were undoubtedly attracted to the region by the sea mammals, seabirds, fish, and shellfish that formed the foundation of a rich subsistence lifestyle. Alaska is one of the most culturally diverse regions of North America. There are three racially distinct Native population in our state - Aleut, Eskimo, and Indian - each with a unique history. This diversity reflects Alaska's position at the crossroads between Asia and the Americas.
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Baranov Museum, also known as the Russian American Magazin, or the Erskine House.
Russian colonization of the Kodiak Island Archipelago began in the mid-1700s. A succession of Russian traders and merchants came to the area seeking valuable sea otter pelts. Alexander Baranov established a trading post at St. Paul Harbor in 1792. Kodiak became the first capital of Russian America and was a major fur trading center for many years. An otter pelt warehouse, built by Baranov, is today the Baranov Museum.
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Photo courtesy Kodiak Historical Society Collections
Mount Novarupta spewed nearly 2 feet of ash on the town. Kodiak Historical Society collections. After the U.S. purchased Alaska in 1867, Kodiak's economy shifted abruptly from the fur trade and whaling. Salmon became the economic staple and canneries dotted the islands by the 1890s.
Darkness fell for three days when Mount Novarupta on the Alaska Peninsula spewed six cubic miles of earth into the air on June 6, 1912. A dense ash cloud descended on the islands. Nearly two feet of ash engulfed the tiny settlement of Kodiak. Buildings collapsed and lakes and streams were choked with ash. Although the face of Kodiak was changed forever, cleanup and rebuilding began in earnest. Fish and wildlife populations rebounded slowly. A cross-section of Kodiak soil reveals traces of other spectacular eruptions.
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A B-2 bomber crashed on the Buskin River. Kodiak Historical Society, Harold Beesch collection.
A B-2 bomber crashed on the Buskin River. Kodiak Historical Society, Harold Beesch collection.
Kodiak became a major staging area for North Pacific operations during World War II. The population of the tiny village soared to more than 25,000. A submarine base and air station were constructed at Women's Bay and an army outpost was established near the Buskin River. Bunkers and gun emplacements were built at Chiniak, Long island and Fort Abercrombie. Japanese forces occupied Kiska and Attu in the Aleutians, but were turned back by American and Canadian forces.
For historical information about Naval Air Station Kodiak, visit the Navy Patrol Squadron home page.
Also look at Kodiak Alaska Military History |
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1964 Earthquake & Tidal Wave |
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The fishing vessel Albatross dropped by the wave in the middle of downtown Kodiak. Kodiak Historical Society collections.
After the war, Kodiak focused on the burgeoning fishing industry. But, the forces of nature again dealt a terrible blow. On March 27, 1964, a massive earthquake rocked Southcentral Alaska. The earthquake did little damage to the islands, but triggered a series of tsunamis. The fourth and largest wave crested at 35 feet above mean low tide. Residents evacuated up Pillar Mountain. Kodiak's waterfront and central business district were all but destroyed. Villages also suffered extensive damage. Once again, Kodiak went about the business of rebuilding.
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Commercial Fishing Industry |
Fishing boat on the bay. Ginger Duncan photo.
Today, a thriving, year-round commercial fishing industry is the economic engine that drives Kodiak. Consistently ranked as one of the top three fishing ports in the US, Kodiak is homeport to more than 700 vessels. The site of the former Naval Air Station is now the country's largest Coast Guard Station, servicing the fishing fleet, freighter traffic and recreational boaters in the North Pacific.
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Explore Kodiak 
