Wrangell is the only community in Alaska to have been ruled by four Nations and under three Flags: Tlingit Indian Nation, Russia, Great Britain, and the United States. Perhaps as far back as 8000 years ago, native inhabitants at the time carved ancient symbols in rock at what is now Wrangell’s Petroglyph Beach State Historic Park. The Stikine Tlingits were recognized as the most powerful Tlingit group in existence during the late 1700’s, the period of European exploration. Chief Shakes Tribal House and Island, surrounded with carved totems, offers a glimpse into the Tlingit way of life.

During the Russian occupation, Wrangell was the focal point for exploration and the fur trade, which later was turned over to the British Hudson Bay Company. When the United States purchased Alaska in 1867, Fort Wrangell was established and named for the Russian Governor who had ruled the Alaska area. Wrangell saw the boom and bust cycles of the gold rush days, fur and trapping, commercial fishing and timber.

Wrangell’s Museum, located in the Nolan Center, offers an interactive walk through of Wrangell’s colorful history.

Visit the Official Wrangell Web Site