Italio River Adventures - A Brief History of Yakutat, Alaska

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In Yakutat: (907)784-3697 E-mail: ***CLICK HERE*** Toll-free Message Only: 1-866-737-1123

Yakutat's History

Centuries ago, the Gulf Coast of Alaska was dotted with villages. The inhabitants came here from other Southeast and Central communities, by land and sea. A strong and successful trade had been established, long before European settlement left its mark.

After visits by explorers Vitus Bering, James Cook, George Dixon, La Perouse and Alejandro Malaspina, all of whom left their names on local landmarks, the Russians were the first white men to build a "permanent" outpost. The Russians and the local Tlingits began a peaceful relationship that quickly soured. The Russians hunted fur, fished and built ships at what they called New Russia, on the shores of Yakutat Bay. By late summer of 1805, the native community had had enough of Russian abuses and broken promises. The Yakutat warriors attacked the fort, leaving no survivors of the 40, or so inhabitants.

Russia's disastrous handling of the natives of Yakutat, as will as other sites proved the land far too difficult for them to effectively control. The Russians never attempted to rebuild their fort in Yakutat and the massacre there was instrumental in the decision to sell the territory to the United States. Whether the local Tlingit tribe faired better under US control is certainly open to debate. The major difference was the scale of exploitation of the region.

As the century came to a close, the flood of prospectors, trappers, fisherman and loggers was a tide that could not be turned. During Yakutat's boom years, gold was mined, lumber exported and two railroad lines were built. By the 1920's, some of Alaska's resources were drying up. No communities survived between Cross Sound and the Copper River, leaving Yakutat the lone inhabited outpost, save for a few scattered trappers and prospectors.

World War II brought another wave of development, as the US Army moved in and built a large airport. Commercial fishing and timber supplied the community with its economy, post war and those industries are still active today. A view of Yakutat's harbor leaves you with the impression that not much has changed in the passing years. There is less concentrated development in this tiny community than there was eighty years ago. Small, locally owned businesses dot the few roads, giving the town its own unique personality.

As the bumper stickers say, "Outsiders Never Wave", Yakutat's people are friendly and helpful. As the tourist industry grows and changes other small Alaskan towns, Yakutat has held onto its historic identity. Italio River Adventures has fantastic joint packages with Bed and Breakfasts and deep sea charter operators in town. Call, or e-mail us for more information.

World-class Flyfishing in the Alaskan Wilderness

http://www.italio.com
Italio River Adventures
P.O. Box 210
Yakutat, Alaska 99689

(907)784-3697
1-866-737-1123

***E-mail***

Extremely remote Alaskan flyfishing for salmon, trout and char... Italio River Adventures The only full-service outfitter on the pristine Italio River... Italio River Adventures Spectacular flyfishing in one of the world's most spectacular locations... Italio River Adventures Experience the REAL Alaska - pristine - wild - unspoiled - perfect... Italio River Adventures

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