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Aleutian World War II National Historic Area

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Area Overview In 1996 Congress designated the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area to interpret, educate, and inspire present and future generations about "the history of the Aleut people, and the role of the Aleut people and the Aleutian Islands in the defense of the United States in World War II."

U.S. Army Fort Schwatka The Aleutian World War II National Historic Area follows the historic footprint of the U.S. Army Fort Schwatka located at Ulakta Head on Mount Ballyhoo. The fort is one of four coastal defense posts built in 1942 and 1943 to protect the Dutch Harbor Naval Operating Base. The army built over a hundred buildings at Fort Schwatka. Engineers designed the concrete observation posts and command stations to withstand earthquakes and 100 mile per hour winds. Although today, many of the bunkers and wooden structures of Fort Schwatka have collapsed, the gun mounts and lookouts are among the most intact in the country.
	Visitors to the area may explore the remaining structures and ruins, and sense the scope of the War effort mounted in the Aleutians to protect the United States from the Japanese invasion.