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Sitka

Sitka, a piece of Russia in Alaska

this Russian Orthodox church was reconstructed after a fireMore Photos

by Adelaide

A June 1997 travel journal

Last Updated: November 9, 2000

Journal Usefulness Rating 3 out of 5
Journal Usefulness Rating
6
Reviews
2
Photos

Sitka was the capital of Russian Alaska until the USA bought Alaska from the Russians, in 1867. It offers a mix of historical and nature sites. I spent one day there, while on a cruise through Alaska's Inside Passage.

Sites not to be missed: St. Michael's Cathedral, the Bishop's House, Sitka National Historical Park and the Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center.

Shopping opportunities include handicrafts and Russian-related items like nested dolls.

Tlingit and Russian folk dances are performed by local groups.

Quick Tips:

I know people who took canoe rides nearby. Many local tour agencies offer canoe rides.

Best Way To Get Around:

We walked everywhere as the city is small. The farthest place was the Raptor Center.

this Russian Orthodox church was reconstructed after a fire
St. Michael's Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox church first built in the 1840s. Destroyed in 1966, when fire burned many blocks in downtown Sitka, a replica was built on the same site. The Orthodox Church was more easily accepted by the native tribes because its priests did not attempt to destroy the indigenous culture.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Adelaide on November 9, 2000

St Michael's Cathedral
Downtown Sitka Sitka, Alaska

a close up of this magnificent bird
The Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center (ARRC) is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to help bald eagles injured by human contact. Until recently, bald eagles used to be considered an endangered species. The ARRC in fact cares of any injured birds that are taken to them - we saw an oel and a peregrine falcon, for instance. Visitors can learn about eagles, their habits and problems.

Bald eagles got their name because of the white feathers that cover their head when they reach maturity, at around 5 years of age. They live up to around 30 years in the wild and make pairs for life. We saw some wild eagles feeding by a fishery next to the dock where our boat was.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Adelaide on November 9, 2000

Alaska Raptor Rehabilitation Center - (ARRC)
1101 Sawmill Creek Road Sitka, Alaska

The New Archangel Dancers take their name from Sitka's century-old designation as the capital of Russian America. The group is formed by women only, because Sitka men didn't find it appropriate to dance! Their vibrant performance lasted 30-40 min and costed around US$3. Check Sitka's Visitor's Bureau for schedules.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by Adelaide on November 9, 2000

New Archangel Dancers
Harrigan Centennial Hall Sitka, Alaska 99835
(907) 747-3225

Bishop's house

Activity

This is the oldest intact Russian building in Sitka and a National Historic Landmark. It was built in 1842 by the Russian American Company as a residence for the Bishop of the Orthodox Church. This preserved buiding houses a collection of photos and items from the Russian period.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by Adelaide on November 9, 2000

Bishop's House
downtown Sitka, Alaska

Sitka is a Tlingit name that means 'by the sea.' Under the name of Novoarkhangelsk, it was the capital of Russian Alaska until the USA bought Alaska from the Russians in 1867. The acquisition of Alaska was signed at Castle Hill, ending Alaska's over a century status as a Russian colony. Sitka is located on Baranof Island, named after Alexander Baranov, manager of the Russian-American Company that explored the region. Companies in the area were particularly attracted by sea otters' fur, and these animals were hunted almost to extinction.

About the Writer

Adelaide
Adelaide
Rio de Janeiro

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