On June 3, 1942, six months after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japanese aircraft bombed Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Island Chain, starting the Aleutian Campaign. During the campaign, the Japanese invaded and occupied Attu and Kiska Islands. Aleuts, the indigenous residents of the Aleutian Islands, were evacuated from their homes and housed in Southeast Alaska "duration villages." The Battle of Attu was fought in May 1943, and the Allies invaded Kiska on August 15, 1943.
Activities and Attractions
The area includes the remains of Fort Schwatka, a now shuttered U.S. Army base that was one of our coastal defense posts built to protect Dutch Harbor during World War II. More than one hundred buildings were constructed at Fort Schwatka, and many of the structures were built to withstand earthquakes and 100 mile-per-hour winds. Today, many of the fort's structures have collapsed, but the gun mounts and lookouts are some of the most intact in the country. In fact, the area has been called one of the 10 best places in the U.S. to experience World War II history.
The Aerology Building Visitor Center, located at the Unalaska airport, is another place to experience the region's military history. The building, which served as the central weather monitoring station, is one of the most intact and architecturally significant World War II buildings in the Aleutian Islands. Today, the visitor center features World War II exhibits, films and a reconstructed radio room.
Visitors also enjoy backpacking, bird watching, interpretive programs, kayaking, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing.
Accessibility
The Aleutian World War II National Historic Area is located in Unalaska, Alaska on Amaknak Island in the Aleutian Island Chain. Unalaska is accessible by plane from Anchorage or by the Alaska Marine Highway System. The historic area can be accessed in the summer via a gravel road from Unalaska. In the winter you'll need snow shoes or skis.
Fees and Visitor Count
The facilities are owned and managed by the Ounalashka Corporation, with technical assistance from the National Park Service. A land permit must be purchased from either the visitor center or Ounalashka Corporation office prior to visiting Fort Schwatka. Visitor count is not available at this time.
Weather and Climate
Rain, fog and wind are common. Summer temperatures range from 45°F to 65°F.
Facilities
Aerology Building Visitor Center, Unalaska - 907-581-9944 (Open year-round)
Ounalashka Corporation, Unalaska - 907-581-1276
History
The Aleutian World War II National Historic Area was designated in 1996 to honor the troops who served there, recognize the Aleuts who lost their homes and share the history of an area critical to the defense of the U.S. during World War II.
http://www.nps.gov/aleu