Saxman Totem Park, Historic district with totem poles in Saxman, Alaska, United States
Saxman Totem Park is an outdoor collection of totem poles and carved monuments set across wooded grounds in southeastern Alaska. The site features walking paths, a central gathering area, and log structures that let visitors view the intricate carvings on each pole up close.
The park was created in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which relocated totem poles from abandoned Tlingit villages including Old Tongass, Cat Island, Village Island, Pennock Island and Fox Village, or had them reconstructed by Tlingit carvers. Two poles from Old Tongass depict Abraham Lincoln and William H. Seward. The park was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Two poles from Old Tongass carry portraits of historical figures alongside Tlingit animal beings: the Lincoln Totem depicts Abraham Lincoln, and the Secretary of State Pole depicts William H. Seward, who negotiated the 1867 purchase of Alaska. The park also holds the Tired-Wolf House Posts, the Beaver Posts and the Frog Tree, named for the crests and stories of specific Tlingit families.
Walking paths make it easy to explore the site on foot, and the grounds are generally accessible year-round though they are most pleasant during warmer months. Wear sturdy shoes since the paths can be muddy and the area receives regular rainfall.
Two poles from Old Tongass carry carved figures of Abraham Lincoln and William H. Seward alongside Tlingit animal beings. The park also holds a marble grizzly bear statue recovered from an abandoned village, a stone carving standing among the wooden poles.
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