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Eklutna Historical Park, Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, and Cemetery
All photographs taken by Kenneth A. Larson. All rights reserved. © 2007 - 2008.|
The Native Alaskan community of Eklutna (a place of two objects) lies about 25 miles northeast
of Anchorage aside the Cook Inlet. It is the oldest inhabited community in the Anchorage area
with about 800 years of human history. When Russian Orthodox missionaries arrived in the
1840s, a blend of Russian Orthodox Christianity and native Athabascan practices developed.
Eklutna was settled by the Ta nai na Tribe of the Athabascan people who occupy this region.
When Alaska was sold to the United States, many Russians returned to Russia but their influence
remained and today Russian Orthodox is the largest Christian faith in Alaska. The cemetery at Eklutna, established about 1650, is characterized by its spirit houses, miniature houses built atop the graves. They are built in a variety of styles and colors, with the various styles and colors attributable to specific families and family members, with a blend of colors derived from a marriage between two families. The log church is considered to be the oldest remaining log structure in mainland Alaska. The history is confused depending on which brochure you read. The church was originally built in Knik in 1870 or 1798 (probably 1798), and moved to Eklutna about 1900. A new church was built in 1962. The cemetery is now a historical park. A monastery now located at the cemetery site watches over the site and allows visitors. There is a small museum and gift shop. The site is forested and quiet. The author of this page was so intrigued by the spirit houses after a visit in 1981, returning was his main Anchorage stop when visiting again in 2007. Eklutna Historical Park is located to the northwest of Glen Highway at mile marker 26, Eklutna exit. Turn left at Eklutna exit from Glen Highway if going north from Anchorage. The Eklutna, Native Village office is located at: 26339 Eklutna Village Rd. Chugiak, Alaska 99567 Phone (907) 688-6020 Fax (907) 688-6021 |
The Alaska Railroad runs through Eklutna and has bene serving the community since 1918.
1981 visit.
The New Church
The Old Church
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This page last updated: Sunday, 17-Feb-2008 22:10:53 CST
| Note: This is not the official site for any of the places shown in Places Earth. Places Earth is not responsible for accuracy of the information. Hours of operations, prices, exhibits, and sometimes locations are subject to change without notice. |
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This site is maintained by Kenneth A. Larson. Copyright © 2004 - 2008, Kenneth A. Larson. All Rights Reserved. Website content including photographic and graphic images may not be redistributed for use on another website. | This site is a non-commercial alternative to my commercial design portfolio site. This site's only purpose is for your enjoyment. There is no paid advertising and I make no profit. If you are in the need of a designer, please check my commercial site www.kesigndesign.com. |
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