Aleutian World War II National Historic Area

The Aleutian World War II National Historic Area is a protected military site on Unalaska Island that spans over 130 acres of wartime structures. Gun positions, ammunition storage bunkers, and other fortifications are distributed across Mount Ballyhoo, showing how the location was defended during the war.

In June 1942, Japanese aircraft attacked Dutch Harbor, making this one of the few places on the mainland United States to face enemy bombing during World War II. The attacks prompted rapid construction of defensive structures across the region to prevent any further strikes.

The site tells the story of the Unangax̂ people, who were removed from their ancestral homes during the war and forced into camps far away. Their experience shapes how visitors understand this place today, revealing a side of the conflict often overlooked in military histories.

The visitor center is located in a restored 1943 air control tower and features displays and films about the military campaign. The grounds can be explored on foot, allowing you to see the preserved structures and the surrounding terrain.

Fort Schwatka is the highest coastal defense battery built in the United States, positioned around 900 feet above sea level on Mount Ballyhoo. This exceptional elevation gave it a strategic advantage for defending against air attacks.

Website: https://nps.gov/aleu

GPS coordinates: 53.88889,-166.52722

Latest update: December 12, 2025 08:00