Chief Johnson Totem Pole, Ketchikan

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Chief Johnson Totem Pole, Ketchikan

Chief Johnson Totem Pole, Ketchikan

The Chief Johnson Totem Pole is one of Ketchikan's most iconic landmarks, standing an impressive 55 feet tall near the entrance to Creek Street, just across from Whale Park. Carved from a single western red cedar log, this striking pole is a vibrant expression of Tlingit storytelling and artistry. The current pole is a replica of the original that stood from 1901 to 1982, and it honors the Kadjuk House of the Raven Clan. At the very top, the legendary Kadjuk bird perches—a powerful symbol for the Raven Clan and the family it represents.

This totem pole vividly depicts the legend of Fog Woman, an important story in Tlingit tradition that explains the origin of salmon, a vital resource for the people of Southeast Alaska. Each carved figure along the pole illustrates part of the tale, turning the totem into a vertical scroll of cultural memory and spiritual meaning. Visitors can follow the pole from bottom to top to trace the story’s sequence, learning about the relationship between the natural world and Tlingit belief systems.

While the original pole is preserved in the Totem Heritage Center, the replica standing outside serves as both a cultural monument and an invitation to deeper understanding. Its restoration and relocation over time have stirred conversation about preservation and the importance of keeping Indigenous heritage visible in public spaces. For those exploring downtown Ketchikan, the Chief Johnson Totem Pole offers not just a photo opportunity, but a chance to connect with the enduring legacy of the Tlingit people.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Ketchikan. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Chief Johnson Totem Pole on Map

Sight Name: Chief Johnson Totem Pole
Sight Location: Ketchikan, USA (See walking tours in Ketchikan)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Ketchikan, Alaska

Create Your Own Walk in Ketchikan

Create Your Own Walk in Ketchikan

Creating your own self-guided walk in Ketchikan is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Ketchikan Introduction Walking Tour

Ketchikan Introduction Walking Tour

Ketchikan marks the start of what many still consider the last true frontier. Tucked into the southern tip of the state, it welcomes travelers sailing the Inside Passage—a winding corridor of forested islands, rugged coastline, and dramatic wilderness. It’s a place known for three things: fierce salmon runs, dramatic coastal scenery, and a deep-rooted Alaska Native heritage that continues to...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles