The Radovan Camp ruins lie in the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve in eastern Alaska. This historic homestead was the work of the ingenious copper prospector, Martin Radovan. Just a few years ago, the requirements of the National Historic Preservation Act lead researchers to determine that the Radovan Camp was a historically significant and a remarkably well preserved piece of Alaska's history. Visit this magnificent corner of Alaska to see these strange ruins and imagine the simple life of long ago.
The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve is a collection of foothills and mountains rising straight from the sea. Mt. Elias strikes a pose at 18,000 feet above sea level.
Martin Radovan was a prospector in the area for over 46 years. He laid claim to Binocular Prospect, a copper outcrop above the green limestone deposit on the face of a cliff overlooking a glacier.
After extensive research, an interdisciplinary team determined that the camps, prospects, artifacts, roads and trails at Radovan Gulch are historical and worthy of preservation.
These well preserved buildings can be accessed through a long back-country journey or a quick site-seeing flight. Radovan chose this spot for it's excellent natural resources and incredible beauty.
The inventions of the camp show what a clever and industrious man Radovan really was. The Alaska Miners Association has inducted Martin Radovan into the Alaska Mining Hall of Fame!
As the 49th state, the largest state in the U.S., the state with the most record-breaking natural wonders, and so much more, the history of Alaska is pretty unique. In particular, the 1980s were filled with milestones and tragedies in the Last Frontier. From the PFD hype to the Alaska time zone going into effect and the drinking age moving from 18 to 21 years of age to everything in between. The oil boom went through the roof and tumbled through the floor right in front of our eyes, seemingly overnight. Alaska in the 80s was a wild ride, and this decade will forever go down as one of the most memorable in Alaska's history.
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1. The spooky ghost stories at this historic downtown Anchorage Hotel were just starting to make the circulations.
6. And then, in the mid-1980s, when oil dropped and a depression began. Anchorage lost 30,000 people in population and abandoned buildings could be found everywhere.
7. Those fancy tour buses that we’re accustomed to seeing so frequently in the summer certainly didn’t have all the bells and whistles that they do today.
12. When 1982/1983 rolled around and ‘Alaska Standard Time’ became the new time zone (except the western Aleutians), one hour west of Pacific Standard Time.
16. When the Alaska Legislature increased the Permanent Fund share of oil revenues from 25 to 50 percent and PFD became the hottest topic in the last frontier.
Of course, these were only a few of the headlines we saw back in the 1980s! Growing up in Alaska, no matter the decade, comes with its fair share of challenges and rewards. But the 80s in Alaska certainly had a few extra notable events and milestones under their belt.
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What else do you remember from the 1980s? Do you have any fond memories of growing up in Alaska that you could share?
Speaking of the 1980s, this airport in Alaska has a dark and evil history that will never be forgotten. But you'll also find plenty of other spots that are loaded with history as well.
Imagine gliding through the icy waters of Alaska's wild and majestic fjords, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine wilderness. The only sound you hear is the gentle splash of your paddle as you easily navigate through narrow passages and rocky shores. This is the magic of the kayak, a remarkable vessel used by the indigenous peoples of Alaska for thousands of years to hunt, fish, and explore some of the most remote and challenging waters on Earth. From its humble beginnings as a "hunter's boat" to its modern-day popularity as a thrilling recreational activity, the history of kayaking in Alaska as the first kayak in America is a captivating tale of innovation, cultural significance, and a deep connection to the land and sea.
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Beneath the serene waters of Alaska's icy fjords and rugged coastlines lies a rich history of adventure and exploration.
For thousands of years, the indigenous peoples of Alaska have relied on a remarkable vessel that has enabled them to navigate these challenging waters with skill and grace: the kayak. With its sleek design, impressive maneuverability, and intimate connection to nature, the kayak has a storied past that spans generations and continues to captivate outdoor enthusiasts today.
The origins of the kayak can be traced back to the indigenous cultures of the Arctic, including Alaska, where it was developed as a means of survival and transportation in the harsh northern environment.
The word "kayak" comes from the Inuit language, meaning "hunter's boat," and it aptly describes the primary purpose of this remarkable watercraft: to hunt and fish in some of the most remote and unforgiving waters on Earth.
The history of the kayak in Alaska is closely intertwined with the indigenous peoples who have inhabited the region for thousands of years.
For the Aleut, Inupiaq, Yup'ik, and other indigenous groups, the kayak was not just a means of transportation, but a way of life. It was an essential tool for survival, providing access to the rich marine resources that sustained their communities, as well as a source of cultural pride and identity.
The traditional Alaskan kayak is a marvel of craftsmanship designed to excel in the challenging conditions of the region.
Made from carefully selected materials such as driftwood, animal bones, and animal skins, the kayak is a masterpiece of functional art. Its slim and sleek frame, often adorned with intricate carvings and decorative elements, allows it to glide smoothly through the water with minimal resistance. The low profile and lightweight design make it highly maneuverable, allowing skilled paddlers to navigate narrow passages, rocky shores, and treacherous waves with agility and precision.
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The kayak played a central role in the everyday lives of indigenous Alaskans.
It was used for hunting seals, walruses, and whales, as well as for fishing and gathering other marine resources. The kayak enabled indigenous hunters to travel long distances, reaching remote hunting grounds and trading routes that were otherwise inaccessible. It also served as a valuable means of transportation for inter-village communication and social interaction, as well as for ceremonies, celebrations, and storytelling.
Over time, the kayak evolved and adapted to different regions and cultures in Alaska.
The Aleut, known for their exceptional skill in crafting kayaks, developed a unique style characterized by its elongated shape and narrow beam, which made it highly seaworthy and ideal for long-distance travel. The Inupiaq and Yup'ik, on the other hand, favored a broader, more stable design that was better suited for hunting and fishing in shallow coastal waters.
Recently, the kayak has gained popularity beyond Alaska, attracting adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.
Kayaking has become a beloved recreational activity, allowing people to explore Alaska's pristine waters, witness its awe-inspiring landscapes, and experience the thrill of paddling through icy waters alongside whales, otters, and other wildlife.
Did you know about the history of kayaking in Alaska? Have you ever kayaked? Let us know in the comments below!
