What is Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area?

Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area preserves a historic landscape that helps tell the many stories of World War II.

Image courtesy of Judy Kesler (digital montage by Archgraphics)

 

 

In a tragic and shameful episode, the U.S. government forcibly removed nearly 900 Unangax̂ (Aleut) people from their homes in 1942.

NPS Photo

What stories does Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area preserve?

The Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area preserves detailed wartime history and the stories of the many people who have walked, lived, and died on these lands. As the westernmost point of the United States, the Aleutian Islands form a chain of lands that extend through the Pacific Ocean toward Asia. This position, which bridged the space between the United States and Japan, quickly became a battleground and was the only military campaign fought on American soil in World War II.

While thoughts of World War II often conjure images of soldiers and battle, the Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area exists to honor Indigenous accounts of the war; caught in the crosshairs, these Indigenous people were displaced from their homelands. Some were taken to Japan as prisoners of war while others were forcibly relocated to “duration villages” or “evacuation camps” within the United States. Tragically, the conditions in both locations were unfit for human life. Many Aleut people died from illness and malnutrition – sometimes at the hands of Japanese enemies, sometimes by the actions of the United States government. When elders passed away, so did their knowledge of traditional Unangax̂ ways. Most would never return to their homelands.

 

The visitor center for Aleutian World War II National Historic Area is located in the historic Naval Aerology building on the island of Unalaska.

NPS Photo

How do I visit Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area?

The site is located on Amaknak Island, connected to the larger island of Unalaska, and features the main attractions of the Aleutian Islands World War II Visitor Center and Fort Schwatka. You can learn more about visiting the Historic Area in the Unalaska area, but keep in mind that history is not limited to the boundaries of this site. The Aleutian Islands contain many other areas – such as National Historic Landmarks – that preserve World War II history. Start planning your visit and read more about land management in the Aleutian Islands to discover what other sites you may be interested in seeing.

 

What kind of park is this?

Unlike the National Parks that most people are familiar with, the Aleutian Islands World War II National Historic Area is an Affiliated Area of the National Park Service (NPS). Affiliated Areas comprise a variety of locations in the United States and Canada that preserve significant properties outside NPS lands. In this instance, the Ounalashka Corporation owns and manages the lands of the Historic Area while the NPS provides technical assistance.

Learn more about the land management of this site and the Aleutian Islands as a whole.