History

Sitka’s past is rooted in a strong Tlingit culture, with a more recent bled of Russian history. The area was initially settled by the native Tlingit Indians and later taken over by the Russians in 1804. The Sitka Lutheran Church, built in 1840, was the first Protestant church on the Pacific Coast. The Russian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Michael was founded in 1848, and St. Peter’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church was consecrated as “The Cathedral of Alaska” in 1900.

First Capital of the Territory of Alaska

Sitka was the site of the ceremony where the Russian flag was lowered and the United States flag raised after the United States purchased Alaska in 1867. The flag lowering and raising event is re-enacted in Sitka every October 18 (Alaska Day). Sitka served as the capital of the Alaska Territory until 1906, when the seat of government was relocated north to Juneau. The state’s first newspaper, The Sitka Times, was published by Barney O. Ragan on September 19, 1868.

Tourism

Sitka offers a combination of Native culture, Russian history, and Alaskan wilderness and lies at the heart of the largest temperate rainforest in the world, the Tongass National Forest. Many tourists visiting Alaska make Sitka a top destination on their list. Cruise ships that travel the Inside Passage stay in the small community, but residents have mixed feelings about the influence of industrial tourism on their small town and way of life.

Saint Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral

St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Church contains a significant collection of Russian Orthodox art & church treasures. Built-in 1844-48, it was destroyed by fire in January 1966. Many of the icons and religious objects were salvaged and are in the rebuilt structure. The building is a hallmark feature in downtown Sitka and is still used today for religious practice, tourism, and education.

Sitka National Historical Park

The Sitka National Historical Park is a 107-acre park that preserves and interprets the site of a Tlingit Indian Fort, and the battle fought between the Russians and the Tlingits in 1804. A fine collection of Haida & Tlingit totem poles were moved there from the Louisiana Exposition in St. Louis in 1904, and in April 1996, a totem carved by a local carver was raised. The museum contains an exhibit of Tlingit and Russian artifacts. There is an active Tlingit arts program where the public can watch and talk to Native Indian carvers. A free, self-guided oceanside trail leads past several totems to the site of the Tlingit fort. Of my many Sitka photos, these are some of the more popular ones.

Alaska Raptor Center

The Alaska Raptor Center has for years proven that dedicated volunteer effort and innovative veterinary medicine can make a life-or-death difference for Alaska’s raptors (birds of prey). The Center’s goal is to release into the wild all rehabilitated birds. However, a few never recover flight and remain housed at the Center’s outdoor display.

Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Tribal Community House

Constructed on a site that once housed the Indian Government School, the Community House offers Native dance performances in full regalia, storytelling, cultural events, and a gift shop with authentic Native artwork. Located on Katlian St., next to the tribal house).

Fishing Industry

According to the National Marine Fisheries Service, Sitka is the ninth most valuable commercial fisheries port in the nation and fourth in Alaska, with 43.3 million dollars passing through its port in 2004. These include Salmon, Sac Roe Herring, Halibut, and Groundfish.

Sac Roe Herring Fishery

The Sitka Sac Roe Herring Fishery is famous, although very brief; the fishery takes place every March in the waters surrounding Sitka. I’ve made several trips to photograph the fleet in action, which is generally a “hurry up and wait” experience as the fleet waits for the opening announcement by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Herring are caught in purse seine nets during a brief window of time, and the eggs are harvested from the fish and sold to primarily Asian markets. The remaining fish parts are ground up and used as a by-product. These Sitka photos tell quite the story of a classic but competitive fishery.

Trolling Fishery

Sitka is home to several salmon trollers and is one of the only Southeast Alaska communities that does not derive most of its fisheries income from its purse seine fleet. Salmon is the most valuable fishery in Sitka, but halibut and sablefish fall close behind. Sitka’s troll fishery is known to bring in high-quality salmon.

Charter Fishery

The sport-charter fishing fleet has grown to offer services to the tourism industry, introducing some conflict in the community.