Brooks River Archeological District National Historic Landmark

NPS staff are filming work near grass covered archeological house ruins at Brooks River NHL

NPS/Dale Vinson

Quick Facts

Location:

Katmai National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Significance:

The Archeological District has over 20 well-preserved sites that date from 2500 BC to more recent times.

Designation:

National Historic Landmark, since April 19, 1993

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The Brooks River Archeological District National Historic Landmark is along a series of ancient beach ridges and river terraces near the 2.5 mile long Brooks River. The 20 well-preserved sites which make up the district date from 2500 BC to recent historic times.

People have fished Brooks River for nearly 4,000 years, and the remains of their homes and villages, and the camps of earlier hunters, are clustered along the river.

The district has major scientific importance. Included in the district is the greatest concentration of Arctic Small Tool Tradition houses and camps known in Alaska and possibly in Arctic North America. It is estimated that over 90% of all the archeological properties remain intact.

 

More National Historic Landmarks in Alaska