Our History
A Place First Known by the Chugach People
Long before maps marked this coastline, the Chugach and Sugpiaq peoples lived among the land and waters of Prince William Sound—harvesting, navigating, and stewarding this region for generations. In the 1700s, Russian explorers arrived, followed by American military forces who established Whittier as a strategic World War II outpost. While these later chapters brought change, the spirit of the original stewards remains at the heart of this place. Today, Chugach Glacier Gateway honors that heritage, offering travelers a chance to connect with a destination shaped by culture, history, and the enduring strength of its people.