Page "Kotzebue, Alaska" Paragraph 1

There is archaeological evidence that Inupiat people have lived at Kotzebue since at least the 15th century.

Because of its location, Kotzebue was a trading and gathering center for the entire area.

The Noatak, Selawik and Kobuk Rivers drain into the Kotzebue Sound near Kotzebue to form a center for transportation to points inland.

In addition to people from interior villages, inhabitants of the Russian Far East came to trade at Kotzebue.

Furs, seal-oil, hides, rifles, ammunition, and seal skins were some of the items traded.

People also gathered for competitions like the current World Eskimo Indian Olympics.

With the arrival of the whalers, traders, gold seekers, and missionaries the trading center expanded.