Overview
Ketchikan has one of the largest collections of standing totem poles in the world, at Saxman Totem Park, Totem Bight State Historical Park and the Totem Heritage Center.
History
Many old poles were saved and copied by Native carvers in a 1930s program. The Totem Heritage Center preserves original 19th-century poles.
Today
Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian carvers continue the tradition, and the parks are key cultural and tourist sites.
Compiled October 2026. History is summarized for general interest; check primary sources for research. This landmark is local context, not an employer or job listing.