Aleutian World War II National Historic Area

The Aleutian World War II National Historic Area is an affiliated area of the National Park Service on Amaknak Island at Unalaska, Alaska, authorized on November 12, 1996. It preserves Dutch Harbor–area defense sites from the Aleutian Islands campaign, including Fort Schwatka on Mount Ballyhoo, and is owned and operated by the Ounalashka Corporation [1].

Designation and Ownership

Congress authorized the area on November 12, 1996. It is owned and operated by the Ounalashka Corporation, and as an affiliated area of the National Park Service it receives funding and technical assistance. Amaknak Island lies about 800 miles from Anchorage [1].

Defense Sites

Fort Schwatka, built at Ulakta Head on Mount Ballyhoo, was one of four coastal defense posts protecting Dutch Harbor in World War II and is the highest coastal battery ever built in the United States. Other sites include Fort Mears, Fort Learnard and Fort Brumback [1].

The 1942 Attack

Japanese aircraft attacked Dutch Harbor on June 3–4, 1942, and Japan occupied Kiska and Attu on June 6–7 [1][2]. Dutch Harbor served as a submarine base from mid-1942 to mid-1943 [1].

Unangax̂ Evacuation

In 1942 U.S. authorities evacuated 881 Aleuts from nine villages to duration villages in Southeast Alaska, where conditions were harsh [1]. See the entry on Attu and Kiska in World War II.

Church of the Holy Ascension

Built in 1895, the Church of the Holy Ascension is a National Historic Landmark. In 1996 the World Monuments Watch named its 250 icons among the world’s 100 most endangered sites [1]. See the entry on the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska.

Visiting

Unalaska is reached by air from Anchorage, and the historic area presents the military history of the Aleutians alongside Unangax̂ history. Check current access and hours with the Ounalashka Corporation before traveling.

FAQs

Where is the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area? On Amaknak Island at Unalaska, Alaska.

When was it authorized? November 12, 1996.

Who owns it? The Ounalashka Corporation.

What is Fort Schwatka? One of four coastal defense posts protecting Dutch Harbor and the highest coastal battery ever built in the United States.

Is it a national park? It is an affiliated area of the National Park Service, not a unit.

Sources

1. Wikipedia: Aleutian World War II National Historic Area
2. Wikipedia: Aleutian Islands campaign

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue