Jesse Lee Home for Children, Former Methodist orphanage in Seward, United States
The Jesse Lee Home for Children was a residential facility for children in Seward, Alaska, made up of three main buildings connected by covered walkways. The complex held dormitories, classrooms, and spaces for daily activities.
The facility moved from Unalaska to Seward in 1926 to improve access for children and staff following the influenza pandemic. The 1964 earthquake caused damage severe enough to force the home to close permanently.
A boy named Benny Benson designed Alaska's state flag while living here, with eight stars representing the Big Dipper and the North Star. The flag is still used today and is one of the most recognized symbols of the state.
The site is no longer in use and access to the buildings is limited due to earthquake damage, so viewing is mostly from the outside. It is worth checking local conditions before visiting, as the state of the structure can affect how close you can get.
Most children who lived here came from the Aleutian Islands and the Seward Peninsula, among the most remote parts of Alaska. The Methodist Church ran the home, bringing children from far-off communities together in one place for care and schooling.
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