  Chugachik | |
| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Kachemak Bay |
| Coordinates | 59°44′43″N151°2′46″W / 59.74528°N 151.04611°W |
| Highest elevation | 43 ft (13.1 m) |
| Administration | |
| State | Alaska |
| Borough | Kenai Peninsula Borough |
| Additional information | |
Chugachik Island Site | |
| Location | Address restricted [1] |
| Nearest city | Homer, Alaska |
| NRHP reference No. | 76002279 [2] |
| AHRS No. | SEL-033 |
| Added to NRHP | August 19, 1976 |
Chugachik Island is a small island in the upper reaches of Kachemak Bay, an indent in the Kenai Peninsula of south-central Alaska. The island falls within the bounds of Kachemak Bay State Park.
The island is of archaeological interest, with at least two sites (identified as SEL-033 and SEL-079) that have been professionally excavated. SEL-033 is a predominantly a midden, in which remains of flora and fauna have been recovered among human artifacts, including stone and bone tools, and a cradle made of birch bark. The site was excavated in 1974 and 1977, with radiocarbon dating suggesting occupation around 360 BCE. [3] SEL-079, excavated in 1982, included three layers of occupation, dating from the early 1st century BCE to a Tanaina occupation estimated to date to the late 19th century. The latter find represents the first known evidence of Tanaina occupation of the area. [4] A parcel of 1.2 acres (0.49 ha) surrounding SEL-033 was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. [2]
