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Sitka, Alaska, USA

Guarded by the blunt volcanic dome of Mount Edgecumbe, Sitka has the richest history in Alaska. Founded by Russian fur magnate Alexander Baranof in 1799, it celebrates its heritage in distinctive architecture, like onion-domed St. Michael's cathedral. Visit the Historic Park, with a ruined Indian fort where Tlingit Indians battled Russian settlers in 1804.

Contents | Description | Map | Explore | Excursions | History

Description

Sitka is located on the west coast of Baranof Island fronting the Pacific Ocean, on Sitka Sound. An extinct volcano, Mount Edgecumbe, rises 3,200 feet above the community. It is 95 air miles southwest of Juneau, and 185 miles northwest of Ketchikan. It lies at approximately 57° 03' N Latitude, 135° 20' W Longitude. The area encompasses 2,882 sq. miles of land and 1,968 sq. miles of water. January temperatures average 23 to 35; summers vary from 48 to 61. Average annual precipitation is 94 inches.

Contents | Description | Map | Explore | Excursions | History

Map

Source: U.S. Forest Service.

Contents | Description | Map | Explore | Excursions | History

Things to Explore

Sitka's Visitors Bureau
Centennial Building with Isabel Miller Museum
Liberty Prospect Gold Mine
St. Michael's Russian Orthodox Cathedral
Alaska Pioneer Home
Prospector Statue
Russian Blockhouse
Russian Cemetery
Russian Cathedral and Bishop's House
Sheldon Jackson College Campus
Sitka national Historic Park
Tongass National Forest
Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center
Castle Hill (site of 1897 Land Transfer Ceremony)
Totem Square
Russian Parade Grounds

Contents | Description | Map | Explore | Excursions | History

Shore Excursion

The symmetrical cone of Fuji-like Mount Edgecumbe, and countless green-tufted islands, welcome crystal Symphony to picturesque Sitka. As Russia's former capital in the new world, Sitka still retains its exotic heritage with proud architecture and unique historical sites. In its heyday, it was known as the "Paris of the Pacific" and knew great prosperity. although founded by Alexander Baranof in 1799, it wasn't until 1867 that the Stars and Stripes replaced the Russian flag when Alaska was purchased by the United States. Learn about this and more by joining your fellow passengers on one of the following:

		Sit-A: Sitka Drive and Russian Folk Dancers
		Sit-B: Historical Drive, Eagle Raptor Center and
		Russian-Style Dancers
		Sit-C: Historic Sitka and Nature Walk
		Sit-D: Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest
		Sit-E: Silver Bay Nature Cruise
		Sit-F: Sitka Seaplane Exploration and Sightseeing
		Drive
		Sit-G: Puffin Island Marine and Birdwatching
		Cruise
		Sit-H: Sitka Sea Kayaking Adventure
		Sit-I: Sitka Sportfishing

Contents | Description | Map | Explore | Excursions | History

History

Sitka was originally inhabited by a major tribe of Tlingits, who called the village "Shee Atika." It was discovered by the Russian Vitus Bering expedition in 1741, and the site became "New Archangel" in 1799. St. Michael's Redoubt trading post and fort were built here by Alexander Baranof, manager of the Russian-American company. Tlingits burned down the fort and looted the warehouse in 1802. In 1804, the Russians retaliated by destroying the Tlingit Fort, in the Battle of Sitka. This was the last major stand by the Tlingits against the Russians, and the Indians evacuated the area until about 1822.

By 1808, Sitka was the capital of Russian Alaska. Baranof was Governor from 1790 through 1818. During the mid-1800s, Sitka was the major port on the north Pacific coast, with ships calling from many nations. Furs destined for European and Asian markets were the main export, but salmon, lumber and ice were also exported to Hawaii, Mexico and California. After the purchase of Alaska by the U.S. in 1867, it remained the capital of the Territory until 1906, when the seat of government was moved to Juneau. A Presbyterian missionary, Sheldon Jackson, started a school, and in 1878 one of the first canneries in Alaska was built in Sitka.

During the early 1900s, gold mines contributed to its growth. During World War II, the town was fortified and the U.S. Navy built an air base on Japonski Island across the harbor, with 30,000 military personnel and over 7,000 civilians. After the war, the BIA converted some of the buildings to be used as a boarding school for Alaska Natives, Mt. Edgecumbe High School. The U.S. Coast Guard now maintains the air station and other facilities on the Island. A large pulp mill began operations at Silver Bay in 1960, and closed in 1993.

Contents | Description | Map | Explore | Excursions | History

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