nterior Alaska was, and still is, inhabited by the Athabascan Indians.

Cantwell is the westernmost village of the Ahtna peoples, most of whom still live on tributaries of the Copper River.

Then, as now, the Denali Highway region, which acts as a bridge between Cantwell and the Copper River Valley, was a good berry picking area and hunting ground for the Nelchina caribou herd.

Throughout history, this part of Alaska was an important migration route. There are many protected archaeological sites near this area. Quarries along the Alaska Range yielded flint for arrowheads.

Please respect private property in and around the Cantwell area.