Totem Town

For many years, Wrangell was nicknamed “Totem Town” for its famous collection of totem poles.

Killer Whale Grave Totem

The Killer Whale Grave began at the north edge of Ḵaachx̱ana.áakʼw next to the Wolf Grave Totem in the 1880s until it was moved into the courtyard of Fort Wrangel, where a replica carving now stands.

Historic Location: (1) Sentry Hardware & Marine Parking Lot; (2) Post Office Lawn

Wolf Grave Totem

The Wolf Grave Totem began appearing in photographs in the 1880s next to the Killer Whale Grave Totem, until it was removed to the base of the two Kadashan poles around 1890.

Historic Location: (1) Sentry Hardware & Marine Parking Lot; (2) Wrangell Marine Services Center

Kadashan Totem Poles

The Kadashan poles, named for Kaasx’agweidí leader Kadashan, were first photographed in 1868. By the 1920s, both poles were moved east as the Wrangell sawmill overtook their original area. Replicas were produced in 1940 by the CCC, and in 2025 a replica now stands in Totem Park.

Historic Location: (1) Wrangell Marine Services Center; (2) Arrowhead LP Gas; (3) Shakes Island; (4) Totem Park