THE THOMS SUNDAY TRAVEL SECTION.
Going back to around 14,000 B.C., groups began following animals (food) from Asia. But Asia is on the other side of the Pacific. Well, back then, Asia and North America were one body of land.
Those remaining in the Alaska area break into different tribes. Eventually, there are distinct first people tribes. They include the Ancient Beringian, Alaskan Athabaskans, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, Eskimo, Iñupiat, Yupik, and Aleut.
The Tlingit people will settle the area of Sitka over 10,000 years ago.
First Europeans to Sitka.
Many believe the Russians were the first outsiders to reach Sitka.
However, James Cook came through here in the summer of 1778 on his third and final voyage. The Spanish, sailing from San Blas on the west coast of today’s Mexico, visit a year later. They are looking for Cook and the Northwest Passage.
It is not until circa 1799 that the Russians will arrive in Sitka. They claim it and rename the settlement Fort of Archangel Michael.
The Czar set up his own company, the Russian-American Company (RAC). He appoints Alexander Baranov as the first Chief Manager.
For Sale By Owner.
In 1856, Russia was reeling in debt from the Crimean War. Profits from Alaska are dropping. European competition and unrest from the remaining First Native people are rising. Russia can no longer afford Russia-America.
Emperor Alexander II sells Alaska to the United States for $7.2 million in 1867. Many indigenous people protest, arguing that they are the rightful owners, not Russia. The transfer ceremony takes place in Sitka.
As Alaska’s biggest town at that point, Sitka serves as the first U.S. Government Capital of Alaska until 1884.
By 1906, Juneau, thanks to the discovery of gold, is the largest city in Alaska. So they move the seat of government there.
Sitka, not on the Inside Passage and not producing gold, continues to decline in economic importance.
Sitka Today.
The town has always been somewhat by itself. Although the Alaska Marine Highway ferry can reach it via a back “roads” route, large ships cannot. Instead, they must brave the north Pacific Ocean, making the narrow harbor entrance challenging in bad weather.
The population is around 8,500 (2020) and shows a gradual decline in residents.
The economy is diverse, which helps protect Sitka from major downturns. The seafood industry, health care,
the federal government, and the U.S. Forest Service employ most of the workforce.
Tourism is not as big a player as in some Alaska ports. Due in part to port access in rough weather and its location off the main Inside Passage.
And that’s a great reason to visit Sitka.
Why Visit Sitka?
Sitting on Baranof Island, it is in the shadow of Mt Edgecumbe. The mountain is a dormant volcano near the Queen Charlotte Fault, separating the North American and Pacific Plates.
The natural beauty is enough reason to visit Sitka. From the mountains to the ocean there are numerous environments, playing host to an array of wildlife.
The Russians hunt many fur-baring animals (like the sea otter,) to near extinction. Now their numbers are healthy.
Visit Sitka’s Russian Heritage.
Old Sitka State Historical Park.
This site is home to the remains of the first Russian-American settlement. Due to wood construction in a rainy climate, only foundations remain. Today, the site is best for hiking/walks.
Baranof Castle / Castle Hill.
Overlooking the harbor, this site began as a Tlingit strategic fortification. The Russians occupy the space from 1804-1867. This is where the transfer of Alaska to the United States takes place. Today, this national historic site is a lookout point with some historical markers.
Russian Bishop’s House.
this was once the Russian Mission Orphanage. Today it is a national historic house museum and one of the few examples of Russian colonial architecture surviving. The building dates from 1842.
St Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church
The most famous Russian-Sitka building sits in the middle of the town. The present church dates from 1967 after the 1844 building disappears in a fire. There are religious icons from the first church. Admission is $5, and hours vary.
Russian Block House
This recreation is one of three watchtowers guarding the Russian fort between 1804 to 1867. Unfortunately, you cannot enter this tower at 120 Katlian Street, next to the Pioneer Home.
Non-Russian
Sheldon Jackson Museum.
On the grounds of Sheldon Jackson College. The building, dating from 1895, is the oldest cement building in Alaska. The majority of the items are from the collection of Rev. Dr. Sheldon Jackson, a Presbyterian missionary. He would travel through Alaska each year, acquiring nearly 5,000 items before he was through.
Sheldon Jackson College.
Seventeen of the school’s buildings are now part of this National Historic Landmark. Unfortunately, due to financial problems, the private college shut down circa 2007. Today, the Sitka Fine Arts Camp occupies some of the buildings. This summer camp offers many performances open to the public. Click the orange link for more information.
Sitka Pioneer Home.
The current National Historic Landmark building dates from the 1930s. It sits on the site of the original Pioneer Home from 1913.
Sitka History Museum.
The museum, run by the historical society, is in the Harrigan Centennial Hall. The collection includes artifacts, paintings, prints, historical photographs, documents, and more. They cover Sitka from circa 1740 to today.
Visit Sitka’s First Nation Heritage.
Even fewer remnants of the original inhabitants exist.
Sitka National Historical Park
Officially, the park includes most of downtown Sitka, including the Bishop’s House. The part I like to point out is the park setting south of town. The park has a lovely collection of Haida and Tlingit totem poles in various parts of the park. The park building houses original totems, a museum, and a Tlingit arts program where you can talk to Native artists.
Sheet’ká Ḵwáan Naa Kahídi.
Next to the Pioneer House, this is a “community house” for the local Sitka Tribe of Alaska.
The multiuse building includes a gift shop, artist co-op, and performance center. Check their website for summer performances.
Wild and Marine Life.
Sitka Sound is full of marine life, including visiting Humpback whales and the adorable sea otters.
Kayaks, private boats, jet boats, and large tour boats offer various tours to look for sea life.
Alaska Raptor Center is a non-profit rehabilitation center for birds of prey. Visit and see the steps necessary to nurse these incredible birds back to health. And if possible, prepare them to return to nature.
Fortress of the Bear – is another non-profit organization that cares for abandoned Brown and Black Bear cubs. The goal is to return those who can fend for themselves back into nature.
Visit Sitka Summary
I hope you can begin to see why Sitka is one of my favorite destinations.
Because it does not get the overwhelming crowds, the locals have more time to chat, It really is an interesting place to visit.
If you are flying out of Sitka, leave for the airport 45 minutes earlier than you need. A piece of homemade fruit pie at the Sitka airport restaurant is a tradition.
So who knew there was so much to do in Sitka?
But what about “The House” from the 2009 movie, “The Proposal?” Although the story’s setting is Sitka, almost all the filming was in Manchester by the Sea, Massachusetts. Even the “Welcome to Sitka” sign.
But that’s not the reason you’re coming to Sitka. It’s the seaside town with a sprinkling of First Nation and Russian heritage. It’s the beautiful sea and land environments. And there’s the marine and wildlife.
Come, visit Sitka.
Want to read more about Sitka? Click here.
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“See the World” Continued on Page T3. “Taste the World” Continued on T11.