Department of the Interior Designated Whittier, Alaska an American World War II Heritage City

The Department of the Interior today announced the designation of Whittier, Alaska, as an American World War II Heritage City, recognizing the community’s extraordinary contributions to the nation’s World War II home front and its ongoing commitment to preserving that history.

“The Department of the Interior is honored to designate Whittier, Alaska as one of the 2026 American World War II Heritage Cities in recognition of its vital contributions to securing our Allied victory and steadfast dedication to preserving this important chapter in American history,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “By recognizing this region, the Trump administration is reaffirming our nation's commitment to preserving the legacy of the United States' involvement in World War II and ensuring that the sacrifices, services and contributions of those who served and the communities that supported them will be remembered, both locally and nationally, for generations to come.” 

Whittier’s nomination highlighted its vital strategic role in the defense of Alaska during World War II, when the U.S. Army transformed a remote site on Prince William Sound into a secret major military port and transportation hub. Chosen for its deep, ice-free harbor and the natural protection of surrounding mountains, Whittier provided a second, strategically located military port that relieved pressure on the more vulnerable commercial port of Seward and provided a more secure route for moving wartime supplies into Alaska.

Beginning in 1941, the U.S. Army constructed a railroad connection through the Chugach Mountains, including a tunnel through Mynard Mountain, as well as docks, warehouses, rail yards and other essential facilities to move troops, fuel, equipment and war materiel into Alaska. When the rail connection was completed in 1943, Whittier emerged as a principal entry point for military personnel and supplies supporting the defense of Alaska and the Aleutian Campaign.

“The community of Whittier would not exist if it were not for World War II and the U.S. Army's decision to utilize its strategic location. Today, the port of Whittier supports over 700,000 visitors and remains a major logistics hub for Alaska," said Kara Moriarty, Senior Advisor to the Secretary of the Interior for Alaska Affairs. “This designation appropriately recognizes how Alaskans, through military service, wartime construction and industrial production, strengthened the war effort and continue to defend our freedoms today.” 

The community that developed from this massive wartime undertaking remains a tangible reminder of the scale, ingenuity and strategic importance of Alaska’s role in World War II. Today, Whittier’s preserved World War II structures, historical markers and local museum continue to interpret and honor this significant chapter in American history. 

About the American World War II Heritage City Program

Administered by the National Park Service, the American World War II Heritage City Program was signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in March 2019 as part of the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (S. 47). The program recognizes communities for their contributions to the World War II home front and helps preserve the history of U.S. involvement in the war. It authorizes the secretary of the interior to bestow the honorary designation on only one city or local jurisdiction in each state and territory.

Since 2020, designations have been made in 38 states and one territory, strengthening public understanding of the war’s local impacts and advancing preservation of historically significant sites.

Nominate Your City 

Any city or other local jurisdiction in a state without an existing designation, is eligible for this recognition. Nominations must be submitted by the highest locally elected official.

Nominations will open in early 2027. For more information, including program information and nomination guidance, please visit the American World War II Heritage Cities Program webpage.