Exploring the Buckner Building: Alaska’s Ghostly Relic of the Cold War

If you’re into places that scream “apocalyptic wasteland” while dripping with history, look no further than the Buckner Building in Whittier, Alaska. Once a symbol of Cold War ingenuity and American ambition, this hulking concrete fortress is now an abandoned, graffiti-covered shell that beckons adventurers, history buffs, and dark tourists alike. Welcome to Whittier, the “town under one roof” and its most infamous landmark, a crumbling building with stories to tell.

DESTINATION: Buckner Building Whittier, AK

A Fortress Born of Fear

Built in the early 1950s, the Buckner Building directly responded to Cold War paranoia. As the United States feared an invasion from the Soviet Union via the Pacific, the military considered Alaska a strategic fortifying location. Whittier, tucked away at the end of Prince William Sound, was an ideal spot for such defenses. Accessible only by boat or a single rail tunnel at the time, this isolated town offered the perfect blend of remoteness and strategic importance.

Dubbed the “city under one roof,” the Buckner Building was a self-contained mega-structure designed to house up to 1,000 soldiers and officers. It was six stories tall and equipped with everything you’d expect in a small city: a movie theater, bowling alley, post office, gym, barracks, and even its power plant. This concrete beast wasn’t just built for comfort; it was designed to withstand a direct nuclear strike.

But as the Cold War began to shift and Whittier’s strategic importance waned, the Buckner Building’s glory days were numbered. By the 1960s, the military had packed up and left, leaving the structure to decay in the harsh Alaskan elements.

A Dark Tourism Magnet

Today, the Buckner Building is a magnet for dark tourists, urban explorers, and ghost-hunting enthusiasts who thrive on the eerie allure of decayed spaces steeped in history. Its towering, brutalist architecture and haunting Cold War legacy make it irresistible to anyone seeking offbeat adventures. Inside, the graffiti-covered walls, peeling paint, and shattered windows whisper tales of its past life. Here, you can almost hear the phantom echoes of soldiers’ boots marching through its darkened corridors and the faint hum of Cold War paranoia.

Why visit the Buckner Building? Because it offers an unparalleled opportunity to stand in the shadow of history and feel its raw, unfiltered weight. It’s like walking into a post-apocalyptic movie set, except this one is chillingly real.

If this type of adventure calls to you, similar dark tourism hotspots include Pripyat in Chernobyl, with its haunting Ferris wheel and abandoned apartment blocks; Hashima Island (Battleship Island) in Japan, a crumbling coal mining facility reclaimed by the sea; and Centralia, Pennsylvania, a burning underground mine fire that will burn for 250 more years. The Buckner Building stands among these giants of ruin, offering a unique Alaskan twist to the world’s dark tourism circuit.

Exploring the Building

While technically off-limits and dangerous to explore, that hasn’t stopped thrill-seekers from venturing inside. The building’s skeletal remains are a labyrinth of dark corridors, collapsed ceilings, and rooms filled with remnants of its former life. The graffiti ranges from amateur scribbles to impressive street art, adding a layer of modern humanity to the decay. Here are a few things to know if you plan to explore:

1. Safety First: The Buckner Building is not maintained, and its structural integrity is questionable. Bring a sturdy flashlight, wear solid boots, and watch your step. Falling debris and rusted nails are just some of the hazards you’ll encounter.
2. Legal Considerations: Technically, entering the building is trespassing. Respect local laws and understand the risks. Some areas of Whittier may tolerate urban explorers more than others, but proceed at your discretion.
3. Best Time to Visit: Alaska’s weather is notoriously unpredictable, but summer offers the best conditions for exploration. Avoid going in the winter unless you want to add hypothermia to your list of risks.

Whittier: More Than Just the Buckner Building

While the Buckner Building is the crown jewel for dark tourists, Whittier is worth exploring. Known as the “town under one roof,” most of the town’s population lives in the Begich Towers, a single building that contains apartments, a school, a church, and even a grocery store. The town’s quirky, isolated vibe adds to the overall allure of the Buckner Building.

Tips for Making Your Visit Memorable

1. Get There Early: Whittier is a small town, and its attractions are best enjoyed without crowds. Arriving early also allows you to explore other parts of the area, like the harbor or nearby hiking trails.
2. Take the Tunnel: The Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, the only way to drive into Whittier, is an experience in itself. This 2.5-mile, single-lane tunnel alternates traffic direction and is the longest highway tunnel in North America.
3. Explore the Surrounding Nature: Whittier is surrounded by stunning Alaskan wilderness. Take a Prince William Sound boat tour or hike the nearby Portage Pass Trail for jaw-dropping views.
4. Pack for Adventure: Alaska’s weather can change in an instant. Bring layers, waterproof gear, and plenty of snacks. Cell service is spotty, so download maps and information ahead of time.

The Allure of the Apocalypse

What is it about places like the Buckner Building that fascinates us? Perhaps it’s the stark reminder of humanity’s hubris that even our most ambitious creations can crumble into ruins. Or it’s the thrill of stepping into a world frozen in time, where history and decay collide hauntingly beautifully.

The Buckner Building isn’t just an abandoned structure; it’s a monument to a bygone era, a canvas for modern expression, and a playground for those brave enough to enter its dark corridors. Whether you’re here for the history, the thrill, or the Instagram shots, one thing’s for sure: visiting the Buckner Building is an adventure you won’t soon forget.

So, lace up your boots, charge your camera, and prepare to dive into one of Alaska’s most badass destinations. The Buckner Building is waiting, and it’s got stories to tell.