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SITKA
SOUTHEAST’S MOST HISTORIC TOWN
V
itus Bering, a Danish explorer in the Russian Navy was the leader of the expedition that is credited with the discovery of Alaska. The two ships in the expedition, the St. Peter and the St. Paul, sailed from Kamchatka, Russia, in May of 1741. They were separated by dense fog around the 20th of June and the St. Paul under command of Aleksey Chirikov made landfall on June 15th, 1741 near Sitka. In 1799, Alexander Baranof built Redoubt Saint Michael six miles north of the present day Sitka. This settlement was destroyed two years later by Tlingit warriors. In 1804, Baranof returned from Kodiak to reestablish Russian dominance in the Sitka area. After a decisive battle at Indian River, in which the Tlingit were defeated, the Russians built a new Fort at the site, which is now Sitka.
By the summer of 1805 they had built several buildings and installed 32 cannons to ward off attack. Alaska was transferred to the United States at Sitka on October 18, 1867. Sitka remained the capital of Alaska until 1912, when the territorial government was moved to the current capital, Juneau. The mixture of Tlingit, Russian and American heritage have helped Sitka develop into a city, rich in culture, art and adventure. Known as Southeast Alaska’s most picturesque town, Sitka is nestled at the base of Mt. Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano.
Visitor Info Visit Sitka has an information desk at the Harrigan Centennial Hall from May to September. 330 Harbor Drive. 907-747-8604
DISCOVER ALASKA’S ORIGINAL MUSEUM
104 COLLEGE DR. SITKA • 907-747-8981 MUSEUMS.ALASKA.GOV 32
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