Basic Information

The Aleutian World War II National Historic Area in Unalaska is dedicated to the history of the Unangax̂ (Aleut) people and the role of the Aleutians during World War II. In 1996 Congress created the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area to educate the public on this little known part of American history. In 2002, the Visitor Center opened with exhibits, a theater, and a World War II - era radio room. The center intreprets both the military events of the Campaign and the reloaction and overwehlming hardships faced by the Native residents of the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands. Visitors to the center can read newspaper articles on the war from the 1940s, look over maps and flight charts, view a Russian Orthodox icon, and watch films on the Aleut Evacuation and the War in the Pacific.

 

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Ounalashka Corporation Land-Use Permit
Visitors must obtain a land use permit to visit privately owned areas of the park. This permit can be purchased at the Visitors Center or at the Ounalashka Corporation Office. Most of the land on Amaknak and Unalaska islands is owned by members of the Ounalashka Corporation, descendants of the Unangax̂ people who have lived on these islands for over 8,000 years. Some structures, or access to structures is on private roads.

Souvenirs
Collecting "souvenirs" such as stone tools, ivory, eagle feathers, bones, or any World War II-era artifacts, including shell casings or nails, is illegal.

Hidden Dangers
Time has taken its toll on the features of Fort Schwatka, and visitors should be aware of the hazards that exist within the National Historic Area.

This site preserves bunkers that are still in excellent condition; however, many tunnel entrances leading into the bunkers are unstable or have collapsed. Many of the floors were constructed of wood that has rotted over the years. There is no electricity on Ulakta Head and the underground buildings and tunnels are dark. Enter into these tunnels and bunkers at your own risk. Cliff edges and collapsed tunnels may be hidden by dense fog.

Soldiers deployed anti-personnel stakes (known also as Rommel stakes or screw pickets) throughout the area during World War II. Some of these stakes still remain in the ground. These stakes are large and sharp -- however, the vegetation on the island covers many of them. Stepping or falling on them could lead to serious injuries. It is advisable to remain on the roads and trails to prevent unnecessary injuries! Please closely supervise children and pets in the park.