Sitka

SOUTHEAST’S MOST HISTORIC TOWN

Vitus 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

ACCOMMODATION

Westmark Sitka Hotel near the harbor downtown, has comfortable lodging and fine dining in an environment designed to reflect the cultural influences of the Tlingit and Russian peoples. 907-747-6241

ThINgS TO DO

Alaska Raptor Center is a rehabilitation center for sick and injured birds, such as eagles, owls and falcons. There are 24 permanent resident raptors, that were too badly injured to return to the wild. Tours of the center are $15 /adult, $6 for children. 1000 Raptor Way. 907-747-8662 Sheldon Jackson Museum is the oldest museum in Alaska. It was named for Rev. Dr. Sheldon Jackson, the driving force behind the construction of the museum and the collector of many of its objects. Summer visitors can observe Native artisans taking part in the Museum’s residency program, which links historic and contemporary Native culture for visitors. Summer hours, 9am - 4:30pm daily. Located at 104 College Drive, near Crescent Harbor. 907-747-8981 St. Michaels Cathedral originally completed in 1848, was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1966. This Russian Orthodox Cathedral is home to a collection of art and rare church treasures. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sitka Historical Museum is located in Harrigan Centennial Hall in downtown Sitka. Its collection focuses on Sitka’s history from the Tlingit people, through the European explorations and Russian era. 907-747-6455

DININg

Subway ® has convenient locations open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Get a 6-inch or Footlong Sub and add chips and a drink for your adventure! Stop and fuel up at Subway®, 327 Seward St. Order online at www.Subway.com or on the Subway® APP.

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