Culture & Heritage
Originally called “Dei-Shu” or “End of the Trail,” Haines is home to Klukwan, the “Mother Village” of the Tlingits. Having been the first settlers to the Chilkat Valley, traditions of the Tlingit still flourish. Tours are available to the village allowing visitors to interact with the Chilkat people as they process salmon in traditional ways, carve totem poles, and learn about their history. Other opportunities to take in the cultural aspects of Haines include seeing artists work on totems, masks, and other Tlingit art at the Alaska Indian Arts. Enjoy Tlingit legends brought to life by the Chilkat Dancers and Storytelling Theater.
The first permanent army post in Alaska was established with Fort Seward named after William H. Seward who arranged Alaska’s purchase from Russia in 1867. Because of mail delivery confusion with the town of Seward, the Post was renamed Chilkoot Barracks in 1922. Decommissioned in 1947, today the fort boasts visitor accommodations, restaurants, art galleries, and recreation sites. A History and Walking Tour brochure of Fort William H. Seward can be obtained through the Haines Visitor Center.
Walk through the history of Haines with a visit to the Sheldon Museum where artifacts of Tlingit culture and vintage photos of Fort Seward can be viewed.