Timeline / Defining Rights and Responsibilities / 1882: The U.S. Navy shells Alaska Native villages

1882: The U.S. Navy shells Alaska Native villages

Tlingit villagers reportedly take over the Killisnoo station following the death of a Tlingit healer, Tith Klane, who was employed by a whaling company. The U.S. Navy, which is occupying Alaska, responds by shelling the village of Angoon, smashing canoes, looting ceremonial items, and threatening Tlingits who try to stop them. The Navy also shells the Tlingit villages of Kake and Wrangel.

Theme: Federal-Tribal Relations

Region: Northwest Coast

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Bombardment of Angoon by Navy Vessel -- Letters

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Two Tlingit letters about the bombardment of Angoon by the U.S. Navy vessel USS Adams in 1882

Courtesy Alaska State Library, Kootznoowoo, Inc. Manuscript Collection