What is the Chitina Tin Shop?
Today, this is the Spirit Mountain Artworks gallery and shop!
What Makes It Historical?
The town of Chitina (“copper river” in Ahtna) was an important depot town on the Copper River and Northwestern Railroad from 1911 until 1938, providing all kinds of services for folks traveling between Cordova and Fairbanks or out to McCarthy. One of those services was Fred Schaupp’s tin shop, which handled just about anything metal—sales and repairs—for the entire region! That meant new stoves, pipes, and sheet metal, and repairs for trains, cars, and even guns! Though it’s changed hands and been repurposed many times since the 1930s, its bones and false front are largely intact from its time as a tin shop, one of the last still standing in Alaska!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Alaska Historical Society!
- Donate to the Alaska Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
NW corner of Main St and 1st St
Chitina, AK 99566
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
The gallery now occupying the building is open daily from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM!