5/29/13 - Ketchikan, AK
Ketchikan is centered on Tongass Avenue. On one side of the avenue, many businesses and homes are built on stilts out over the water, while on the other side they cling to the steep slopes and often have winding wooden staircases leading to their doors.
The downtown area is the main commercial district and contains two large harbors, several cruise ship docks, and many of Ketchikan’s main attractions, including historic Creek Street, a picturesque boardwalk path built over Ketchikan Creek on stilts. Creek Street was Ketchikan's famed red-light district until 1954.
Ketchikan
This is incredible
The tusk carving by Eddie Lee
The tusk carving by Eddie Lee
The tusk carving by Eddie Lee
The tusk carving by Eddie Lee
Mike at a door in the Filipino district
Creek Street is built along the shores of Ketchikan Creek. It was built over the water because it was simply too difficult to blast away the rocky hills surrounding the creek.
Creek Street is known as Ketchikans old red-light district. In the mid 1920s there were over 20 bawdy houses on Creek Street alone! In fact, Creek Street was once home to Ketchikan's #1 industry prostitution.
During prohibition, Creek Street was the place to go for a drink as bootleggers would smuggle in Canadian whiskey to supply the houses of prostitution and backroom saloons.
Creek Street Ketchikan is built over the water and the bootleggers would simply wait until high tide and would row their rowboats right up the stream to deliver their goods in the cloak of darkness. Most of the houses had hidden trap doors underneath the house just to receive delivery!
Mike entering Creek Street
Susan entering Creek Street
Two workers at the Dolly's House Museum.
In the old days before video games, single young men in Alaska had a different idea of after-work entertainment - hard liquor and a certain type of female companionship. These loggers, miners and fishermen worked hard in the woods, the gold camps or at sea. When they got back to town, Creek Street and its brothels were waiting.
Take a stroll through the most famous of these – Dolly’s House – the only “den of iniquity” that still stands today. You can’t miss Number 24 Creek Street, for its green doll house appearance looks much like it did during its heyday. Inside you’ll find photos of Dolly adorning the walls, the cabbage rose wallpaper she favored, and you might even spot the “secret closet” in Dolly’s bedroom, where she stashed contraband liquor during the Prohibition years.
Unfortunately we didn't get in to explore the museum.
Funicular looks like fun but we decided to walk around rather than take it.
House along Creek Street
Moss on one of the houses along Creek Street
Looking back on Creek Street and Ketchikan Creek
Ketchikan Creek meanders on past Creek Street
Ketchikan Creek meanders on past Creek Street
Married Mans Trail
Married Mans Trail was once just a muddy path along the creek that men would use to discreetly visit the working houses along Creek Street instead of being caught walking in the front doors!
Read more: http://www.experienceketchikan.com/creek-street-ketchikan.html#ixzz2VPUUKcnE
Salmon Ladder
Once glaciers left southeast Alaska 15,000 years ago, Ketchikan Creek became a salmon spawning stream. Tlingit natives set up summer fish camps here because it had salmon. Europeans settled here because they could trade with Tlingits. Miners settled here because they had a trading post. Still a thriving salmon habitat, Ketchikan Creek saw its largest run of pinks in 2013, reinforcing the importance it continues to play in the life of the city.
It’s a short walk from downtown to Ketchikan Creek Falls and the salmon ladder. Thousands of fish work persistently to get up the creek, in an amazing sight that makes you wonder if you could walk across the water on their backs. At the height of the run, Ketchikan Creek is literally black with salmon. You can stand at the brink of the waterfall and watch overwhelming numbers of salmon climb vertically up.
Salmon Ladder
Once glaciers left southeast Alaska 15,000 years ago, Ketchikan Creek became a salmon spawning stream. Tlingit natives set up summer fish camps here because it had salmon. Europeans settled here because they could trade with Tlingits. Miners settled here because they had a trading post. Still a thriving salmon habitat, Ketchikan Creek saw its largest run of pinks in 2013, reinforcing the importance it continues to play in the life of the city.
It’s a short walk from downtown to Ketchikan Creek Falls and the salmon ladder. Thousands of fish work persistently to get up the creek, in an amazing sight that makes you wonder if you could walk across the water on their backs. At the height of the run, Ketchikan Creek is literally black with salmon. You can stand at the brink of the waterfall and watch overwhelming numbers of salmon climb vertically up.
Salmon Ladder
Once glaciers left southeast Alaska 15,000 years ago, Ketchikan Creek became a salmon spawning stream. Tlingit natives set up summer fish camps here because it had salmon. Europeans settled here because they could trade with Tlingits. Miners settled here because they had a trading post. Still a thriving salmon habitat, Ketchikan Creek saw its largest run of pinks in 2013, reinforcing the importance it continues to play in the life of the city.
It’s a short walk from downtown to Ketchikan Creek Falls and the salmon ladder. Thousands of fish work persistently to get up the creek, in an amazing sight that makes you wonder if you could walk across the water on their backs. At the height of the run, Ketchikan Creek is literally black with salmon. You can stand at the brink of the waterfall and watch overwhelming numbers of salmon climb vertically up.
Spawning Salmon. Obviously not at the height of spawning season.
Harris Street Bridge is a great viewing sight during salmon season
Fence along walk
Ketchikan Creek on way to Totem Heritage Center
Ketchikan Creek on way to Totem Heritage Center
Bridge over Ketchikan Creek on way to Totem Heritage Center
The golden age of totem poles was during the mid-1700s to the late 1800s, when the fur trade created a sense of wealth that the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida tribes had never before experienced. They invested in potlatch celebrations and the creation of totem poles (made easier with the arrival of iron tools).
In the late 1800s, many natives – their numbers decimated by smallpox and tuberculosis – moved into larger communities, leaving their villages and totems behind. Some of these were removed in the 1930s, and you can find their replicas at Totem Bight State Historical Park or Saxman Village Totem Park.
It wasn’t until the summer of 1970 that the last of the standing totems were recovered and brought to Ketchikan to be preserved at what is now the Totem Heritage Center. There’s something humbling about being in the presence of the old totems that have been laid to rest here. Even though they no longer stand, braced against wind and sea, their stories remain to be shared with visitors. Silvery-gray with age, they are still stunning, intricately carved works of art. Memorial poles, story poles, family poles and clan poles, each offers an individual design and explanation.
The Totem Heritage Center houses 33 poles in a climate-controlled environment, 16 of which are on permanent display. Photos of the old village sites help you imagine these poles as they stood originally. Native artifacts such as baskets, masks, and regalia give additional insight into the artistry and cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.
The golden age of totem poles was during the mid-1700s to the late 1800s, when the fur trade created a sense of wealth that the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida tribes had never before experienced. They invested in potlatch celebrations and the creation of totem poles (made easier with the arrival of iron tools).
In the late 1800s, many natives – their numbers decimated by smallpox and tuberculosis – moved into larger communities, leaving their villages and totems behind. Some of these were removed in the 1930s, and you can find their replicas at Totem Bight State Historical Park or Saxman Village Totem Park.
It wasn’t until the summer of 1970 that the last of the standing totems were recovered and brought to Ketchikan to be preserved at what is now the Totem Heritage Center. There’s something humbling about being in the presence of the old totems that have been laid to rest here. Even though they no longer stand, braced against wind and sea, their stories remain to be shared with visitors. Silvery-gray with age, they are still stunning, intricately carved works of art. Memorial poles, story poles, family poles and clan poles, each offers an individual design and explanation.
The Totem Heritage Center houses 33 poles in a climate-controlled environment, 16 of which are on permanent display. Photos of the old village sites help you imagine these poles as they stood originally. Native artifacts such as baskets, masks, and regalia give additional insight into the artistry and cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.
The golden age of totem poles was during the mid-1700s to the late 1800s, when the fur trade created a sense of wealth that the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida tribes had never before experienced. They invested in potlatch celebrations and the creation of totem poles (made easier with the arrival of iron tools).
In the late 1800s, many natives – their numbers decimated by smallpox and tuberculosis – moved into larger communities, leaving their villages and totems behind. Some of these were removed in the 1930s, and you can find their replicas at Totem Bight State Historical Park or Saxman Village Totem Park.
It wasn’t until the summer of 1970 that the last of the standing totems were recovered and brought to Ketchikan to be preserved at what is now the Totem Heritage Center. There’s something humbling about being in the presence of the old totems that have been laid to rest here. Even though they no longer stand, braced against wind and sea, their stories remain to be shared with visitors. Silvery-gray with age, they are still stunning, intricately carved works of art. Memorial poles, story poles, family poles and clan poles, each offers an individual design and explanation.
The Totem Heritage Center houses 33 poles in a climate-controlled environment, 16 of which are on permanent display. Photos of the old village sites help you imagine these poles as they stood originally. Native artifacts such as baskets, masks, and regalia give additional insight into the artistry and cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.
The golden age of totem poles was during the mid-1700s to the late 1800s, when the fur trade created a sense of wealth that the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida tribes had never before experienced. They invested in potlatch celebrations and the creation of totem poles (made easier with the arrival of iron tools).
In the late 1800s, many natives – their numbers decimated by smallpox and tuberculosis – moved into larger communities, leaving their villages and totems behind. Some of these were removed in the 1930s, and you can find their replicas at Totem Bight State Historical Park or Saxman Village Totem Park.
It wasn’t until the summer of 1970 that the last of the standing totems were recovered and brought to Ketchikan to be preserved at what is now the Totem Heritage Center. There’s something humbling about being in the presence of the old totems that have been laid to rest here. Even though they no longer stand, braced against wind and sea, their stories remain to be shared with visitors. Silvery-gray with age, they are still stunning, intricately carved works of art. Memorial poles, story poles, family poles and clan poles, each offers an individual design and explanation.
The Totem Heritage Center houses 33 poles in a climate-controlled environment, 16 of which are on permanent display. Photos of the old village sites help you imagine these poles as they stood originally. Native artifacts such as baskets, masks, and regalia give additional insight into the artistry and cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.
The golden age of totem poles was during the mid-1700s to the late 1800s, when the fur trade created a sense of wealth that the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida tribes had never before experienced. They invested in potlatch celebrations and the creation of totem poles (made easier with the arrival of iron tools).
In the late 1800s, many natives – their numbers decimated by smallpox and tuberculosis – moved into larger communities, leaving their villages and totems behind. Some of these were removed in the 1930s, and you can find their replicas at Totem Bight State Historical Park or Saxman Village Totem Park.
It wasn’t until the summer of 1970 that the last of the standing totems were recovered and brought to Ketchikan to be preserved at what is now the Totem Heritage Center. There’s something humbling about being in the presence of the old totems that have been laid to rest here. Even though they no longer stand, braced against wind and sea, their stories remain to be shared with visitors. Silvery-gray with age, they are still stunning, intricately carved works of art. Memorial poles, story poles, family poles and clan poles, each offers an individual design and explanation.
The Totem Heritage Center houses 33 poles in a climate-controlled environment, 16 of which are on permanent display. Photos of the old village sites help you imagine these poles as they stood originally. Native artifacts such as baskets, masks, and regalia give additional insight into the artistry and cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.
The golden age of totem poles was during the mid-1700s to the late 1800s, when the fur trade created a sense of wealth that the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida tribes had never before experienced. They invested in potlatch celebrations and the creation of totem poles (made easier with the arrival of iron tools).
In the late 1800s, many natives – their numbers decimated by smallpox and tuberculosis – moved into larger communities, leaving their villages and totems behind. Some of these were removed in the 1930s, and you can find their replicas at Totem Bight State Historical Park or Saxman Village Totem Park.
It wasn’t until the summer of 1970 that the last of the standing totems were recovered and brought to Ketchikan to be preserved at what is now the Totem Heritage Center. There’s something humbling about being in the presence of the old totems that have been laid to rest here. Even though they no longer stand, braced against wind and sea, their stories remain to be shared with visitors. Silvery-gray with age, they are still stunning, intricately carved works of art. Memorial poles, story poles, family poles and clan poles, each offers an individual design and explanation.
The Totem Heritage Center houses 33 poles in a climate-controlled environment, 16 of which are on permanent display. Photos of the old village sites help you imagine these poles as they stood originally. Native artifacts such as baskets, masks, and regalia give additional insight into the artistry and cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.
The golden age of totem poles was during the mid-1700s to the late 1800s, when the fur trade created a sense of wealth that the Tlingit, Tsimshian, and Haida tribes had never before experienced. They invested in potlatch celebrations and the creation of totem poles (made easier with the arrival of iron tools).
In the late 1800s, many natives – their numbers decimated by smallpox and tuberculosis – moved into larger communities, leaving their villages and totems behind. Some of these were removed in the 1930s, and you can find their replicas at Totem Bight State Historical Park or Saxman Village Totem Park.
It wasn’t until the summer of 1970 that the last of the standing totems were recovered and brought to Ketchikan to be preserved at what is now the Totem Heritage Center. There’s something humbling about being in the presence of the old totems that have been laid to rest here. Even though they no longer stand, braced against wind and sea, their stories remain to be shared with visitors. Silvery-gray with age, they are still stunning, intricately carved works of art. Memorial poles, story poles, family poles and clan poles, each offers an individual design and explanation.
The Totem Heritage Center houses 33 poles in a climate-controlled environment, 16 of which are on permanent display. Photos of the old village sites help you imagine these poles as they stood originally. Native artifacts such as baskets, masks, and regalia give additional insight into the artistry and cultural heritage of the Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian.
Pink Rhodies along my walk
St. Elizabeth's Church is an Episcopal church built by the Ketchikan Native Episcopal Community around 1927, when churches in Ketchikan were segregated.
It remained a church until 1962 and now serves as the Ketchikan Mortuary.
Thomas Basin is home to Ketchikan’s fishing fleet and is the city’s most picturesque harbor. It is at the foot of Creek Street in the heart of the tourist district.
Thomas Basin is home to Ketchikan’s fishing fleet and is the city’s most picturesque harbor. It is at the foot of Creek Street in the heart of the tourist district.
Thomas Basin Harbor is the entrance to Ketchikan Creek. The boardwalk along the edges is called Creek Street
The City of Ketchikan was originally built around this harbor because Thomas Basin was extremely large and Creek Street was very busy. Because the cruise ships pull in during fishing season, most of the boats find moorage at other harbors.
Thomas Basin is home to Ketchikan’s fishing fleet and is the city’s most picturesque harbor. It is at the foot of Creek Street in the heart of the tourist district.
Thomas Basin is home to Ketchikan’s fishing fleet and is the city’s most picturesque harbor. It is at the foot of Creek Street in the heart of the tourist district.
Thomas Basin Harbor is the entrance to Ketchikan Creek. The boardwalk along the edges is called Creek Street
The City of Ketchikan was originally built around this harbor because Thomas Basin was extremely large and Creek Street was very busy. Because the cruise ships pull in during fishing season, most of the boats find moorage at other harbors.
Thomas Basin is home to Ketchikan’s fishing fleet and is the city’s most picturesque harbor. It is at the foot of Creek Street in the heart of the tourist district.
Thomas Basin Harbor is the entrance to Ketchikan Creek. The boardwalk along the edges is called Creek Street
The City of Ketchikan was originally built around this harbor because Thomas Basin was extremely large and Creek Street was very busy. Because the cruise ships pull in during fishing season, most of the boats find moorage at other harbors.
Thomas Basin is home to Ketchikan’s fishing fleet and is the city’s most picturesque harbor. It is at the foot of Creek Street in the heart of the tourist district.
Thomas Basin Harbor is the entrance to Ketchikan Creek. The boardwalk along the edges is called Creek Street
The City of Ketchikan was originally built around this harbor because Thomas Basin was extremely large and Creek Street was very busy. Because the cruise ships pull in during fishing season, most of the boats find moorage at other harbors.
Thomas Basin is home to Ketchikan’s fishing fleet and is the city’s most picturesque harbor. It is at the foot of Creek Street in the heart of the tourist district.
Thomas Basin Harbor is the entrance to Ketchikan Creek. The boardwalk along the edges is called Creek Street
The City of Ketchikan was originally built around this harbor because Thomas Basin was extremely large and Creek Street was very busy. Because the cruise ships pull in during fishing season, most of the boats find moorage at other harbors.
Thomas Basin is home to Ketchikan’s fishing fleet and is the city’s most picturesque harbor. It is at the foot of Creek Street in the heart of the tourist district.
Thomas Basin Harbor is the entrance to Ketchikan Creek. The boardwalk along the edges is called Creek Street
The City of Ketchikan was originally built around this harbor because Thomas Basin was extremely large and Creek Street was very busy. Because the cruise ships pull in during fishing season, most of the boats find moorage at other harbors.