Archaeological excavations indicate that Alaska Natives have occupied the Chugach Region for thousands of years, from the time when the Sound was still largely covered by glaciers during the last ice age. Natives of our region were the first to meet the European explorer, Vitus Bering, who came to Alaska at Kayak Island in 1741 under the Russian flag. Since the founding of Fort Saint Constantine at Nuchek Village in 1793, the Russian culture has played an important role in Chugach history. Famous Spanish, English and American explorers have also left their mark on the history of the region. During the Early American period, the Region’s mineral and fisheries wealth attracted immigrants from all corners of the globe.