Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park

The state of Alaska contains some of the most beautiful and unspoiled panoramas in the United States. It is rich in wildlife, natural resources and untamed forest. Some of that untamed land is contained within the boundaries of Alaska’s state park system. One of those parks, Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park, provides visitors with a multitude of opportunities to enjoy the outdoor splendor of the Alaskan wilderness.

Military History of Fort Abercrombie

The outpost was originally a radio post in the early part of the twentieth century and was formally established as a military post by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1941. The ruins of gun batteries and lookout posts tasked with guarding against Japanese and Russian incursion still exist and are a popular attraction. Throughout World War II, guns capable of firing artillery 20 miles were manned as soldiers watched for warships and submarines. They provided the first line of defense to the vulnerable West Coast of the United States. The guns were destroyed in 1948, and Fort Abercrombie was eventually abandoned by the military.

Current park attractions

In 1970, Fort Abercrombie was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places and eventually a state park was established at the site. Visitors to the park interested in military history can visit the ruins of the gun mounts, military lookout bunkers and the Kodiak Military History Museum. The park is also rich in wildlife, and visitors can see bald eagles and migrating Mill Bay salmon. Many visitors enjoy Lake Gertrude for trout fishing, tubing adventures and even scuba diving. In addition to the lake, there are also miles of hiking trails and a spectacular view of the northern Pacific Ocean and the fishing fleets of Kodiak.

Fort Abercrombie State Park provides visitors with a unique view of our nation’s military history, set against a backdrop of an amazing Alaskan landscape. Visitors can experience fishing, camping, hiking and swimming, while enjoying the unspoiled natural beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.