
The Rock, Ketchikan
"The Rock" is a striking bronze sculpture that tells the story of the city’s origins through seven life-sized figures. Located on Berth Two, near the cruise ship docks, this public artwork captures the spirit and resilience of the people who helped shape Alaska's First City. Each of the six symbolic figures represents a different pioneer archetype: a fisherman, miner, logger, bush pilot, frontierswoman, and Native drummer. These personas reflect the primary industries and natural draws—salmon, gold, timber, and wildlife—that lured settlers to the rugged shores of southeast Alaska.
The seventh figure is a historical person: Chief Johnson, a Tlingit leader who symbolizes the Indigenous presence in the region long before it became a destination for fortune-seekers and adventurers. His placement in the sculpture grounds Ketchikan’s story in its Native roots, acknowledging the Tlingit people's role as the original stewards of this land. The sculpture, created with great attention to detail and expression, invites reflection on the diverse cultural forces that built the community.
As Ketchikan’s first bronze sculpture, "The Rock" is not just an artistic landmark but a civic monument. It stands outdoors year-round and serves as a popular photo stop and storytelling point for visitors disembarking at the port.
The seventh figure is a historical person: Chief Johnson, a Tlingit leader who symbolizes the Indigenous presence in the region long before it became a destination for fortune-seekers and adventurers. His placement in the sculpture grounds Ketchikan’s story in its Native roots, acknowledging the Tlingit people's role as the original stewards of this land. The sculpture, created with great attention to detail and expression, invites reflection on the diverse cultural forces that built the community.
As Ketchikan’s first bronze sculpture, "The Rock" is not just an artistic landmark but a civic monument. It stands outdoors year-round and serves as a popular photo stop and storytelling point for visitors disembarking at the port.
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.
The Rock on Map
Sight Name: The Rock
Sight Location: Ketchikan, USA (See walking tours in Ketchikan)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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
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 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
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.2 Km or 1.4 Miles