Postcards From Alaska introduces KNLS listeners to America's last frontier and is a daily feature of the New Life Station.

The history of the United States is but a heartbeat in the history of Sitka. The Kiksadi Clan of the Tlingit Indians had lived in and around Sitka centuries before the Russians or Americans ever set foot on the island’s rocky shores. Choosing the seaward side of the island they named Shee, the Tlingits called their settlement Shee Atika, meaning "people on the outside of Shee". The name Sitka is merely a contraction.

The Tlingits thrived undisturbed on their island paradise until 1799, when the Russians arrived. It wasn’t long before Alexander Baranof, Manager of the Russian-American Company, established a fort a few miles North of the present day Sitka.

The Tlingits grew immediately hostile, understanding that submission to the Russians meant allegiance to the Tzar and slave labor to the fur trade company. Their suspicions turned to violence, when the Tlingits finally attacked the Russian outpost in 1802, killing nearly all of the Russians and their Aleut slaves.

Two years later Baranof retaliated. For six days, the island Natives fought gallantly, but were out-gunned and exited silently into the night. The Russians renamed the settlement New Archangel. Russian Orthodox Church clergy soon took up residency and fortress-like structures systematically replaced clan houses atop a shoreside hill, a site later known as Castle Hill.

The fur-trade flourished and the Russian-American Company became the most profitable fur trader in the world. By mid-century, however, overhunting had diminished the number of sea otters, and thus the Russians’ interest in the new world. In 1867, the Russians sold Alaska to the United States for $7.2 million with a transfer ceremony that took place in Sitka on October 18 of that year.

Below you will find a list of the attractions most often toured by visitors to Sitka.

ANB HALL
The Alaska Native Brotherhood building is a registered National Historic Landmark built in 1914. Located on Katlian Street in the heart of the traditional Tlingit village, it serves as an Alaska Native community center.

PRINCESS MAKSOUTOFF'S GRAVE
Located behind the Pioneer's Home in the Lutheran cemetery, Princess Maksoutoff was the wife of Alaska's last Russian governor, Dimitrii Maksoutoff.

RUSSIAN BLOCK HOUSE
Replica of the block house that separated Russian and Tlingit sections of Sitka after the Tlingits moved back into the area 20 years following the 1804 battle. Located behind the Pioneer's Home on Katlian Street.

TOTEM SQUARE
Contains a Russian cannon and three anchors recovered from the Sitka vicinity, probably lost by early British or American explorers. The totem pole displays the double-headed eagle of Sitka's Russian heritage.

SITKA PIONEERS HOME
Built in 1934 on the old Russian Parade Ground, this is a state home for elderly Alaskans. Handicrafts made by the residents are sold in the gift shop located on the first floor. The pioneers welcome visitors. The 13-1/2 foot bronze statue standing in front of the Pioneers Home was made by Alonzo Victor Lewis and was dedicated on Alaska Day 1949. The model was a real pioneer--William "Skagway Bill" Fonda.

CASTLE HILL
(Baranof Castle Site) An Early stronghold of the Kiksadi clan. Later a succession of Russian buildings were erected on this site. The last one, known as "Baranof's Castle", was erected in 1837. On October 18, 1867, it was the site of the transfer of Alaska to the United States. Today it is managed by Alaska State Parks.

SAINT MICHAEL'S CATHEDRAL
Important collection of Russian Orthodox art & church treasures. Built in 1844-48, it was totally destroyed by fire in January 1966. Many of the icons and religious objects were salvaged and are in the rebuilt structure. For 2001: Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm, Saturdays-please check posted hours on door, Sundays-by appt.only Winter hours: Call to check hours, 747-8120. A $2.00 donation is requested.

SITKA LUTHERAN CHURCH
The site of the first Lutheran Church on the West coast of North America which contains original artifacts (1844 Kessler organ, chandelier, pulpit & communion rail) from the original 1843 Finnish Lutheran Church. Located on Lincoln Street in the heart of downtown Sitka. Mid-May to mid Sept., Mon.-Sat., trained volunteers offer FREE tours and literature.

ISABEL MILLER MUSEUM
All elements of Sitka's history converge in one place: The Isabel Miller Museum. Packed with displays, photographs and artifacts from Sitka's Tlingit, Russian and American history, the museum is a worth-while first stop. It provides a perspective for almost everything else the traveler will see during his/her stay. A gift shop which supports the museum includes many exclusives made only for the museum. Open 8:00am - 5:00pm daily (winter hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm Tuesday - Saturday). (907) 747-6455.

HARRIGAN CENTENNIAL HALL
Built in 1967, during Alaska's Centennial celebration, the building is still one of the finest in the state. It houses visitor information, the Sitka Historical Society, a local history collection, an auditorium for public use, and a wildlife display. A large hand carved Tlingit canoe made from one log is displayed under a sheltered area near the building. (907) 747-3225.

RUSSIAN BISHOP'S HOUSE
The oldest intact Russian building in Sitka was built in 1842, by the Russian American Company as a residence for the Bishop of the Orthodox Church. Bishop Innocent (Ivan Veniaminov) was its first resident. The building and grounds are managed by the National Park Service. It has been restored to the 1850's historic period when it functioned as a school, Bishop's residence, and a chapel. Registered as a National Historic Landmark. Open 9:00 am - 1:00 pm; 2:00 - 5:00 pm daily during the summer months. Winter hours vary and reservations are needed. Admission is $3.00 (907) 747-6281

ST. PETER'S BY THE SEA EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Since Sitka was the capital of Alaska in 1895, it was chosen as the "See City" by Bishop Rowe. In 1899 the first service was held in St. Peter's. In 1901, St. Peter's was chartered as Alaska's Pro Cathedral. Located directly behind the church is the Bishop's residence referred to as the "See House" built in 1905, by Bishop Rowe. The church continues to be used by many as a place of quiet and prayer, and a place of meeting for community organizations. According to legend, Joseph of Arimathea's staff took root & blossomed. In April of 1999, St. Peters' by the Sea received the 3rd planting from this HolyThorn of Glastonbury.

SHELDON JACKSON MUSEUM
Home to one of the oldest native culture collections in Alaska, collected by Dr. Sheldon Jackson, General Agent of Education, between 1880 and 1900. The present building, the first concrete building in Alaska, was erected in 1895. Located just a short walk along Lincoln Street, midway from downtown and Sitka National Historical Park. Gift shop is on location. Open 9:00am - 5:00pm daily In summer of 2001, Native artists demonstration daily. (winter hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm Tuesday - Saturday). Admission is $4.00. (907) 747-8981.

SITKA NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
The 107 acre park 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 self-guided oceanside trail leads past several totems to the site of the Tlingit fort. Open 8:00am - 5:00pm daily (winter hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday). (907) 747-6281.

SOUTHEAST ALASKA INDIAN CULTURAL CENTER
The Cultural Center provides a place for local Sitka Tlingits to teach themselves about their own culture, while also helping the Sitka National Historical Park visitors understand the Native people whose history is part of the Park story. Summer demonstrations offer a unique chance to view and ask questions about each artists¹ craft. Located in Sitka National Historical Park¹s main building. (907) 747-8061 Email: seaicc@ptialaska.net

ALASKA RAPTOR CENTER
A pioneering wildlife project, the Raptor Center has for years proven that dedicated volunteer effort and innovative veterinary medicine can make a life-or-death difference on 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. Visitors are welcome at the Raptor Center's expanded facility. May 1-Sept. 30: 8:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday. Please call to check for weekend hours. Winters Hours: please call to check available hours. $10 for adults, $5 for children. Call (907) 747-8662 For information, please email: programs.alaskaraptor@alaska.com.

WHALE PARK
Dedicated in July 1995, Whale Park provides an opportunity to view wildlife (from the boardwalk), including humpback whales in the fall and spring, . The park is located about 6 miles south of downtown and has a small sheltered picnic area and viewing scopes.

JAPONSKI ISLAND
WW II headquarters for military forces who served in Sitka. During WW II, Japonski Island was connected by a man-made causeway in the 1940's to the surrounding chain of islands which served as a location for bunkers and gunning sites. Though the bunkers and sites are not well preserved, they are accessible by boat. The island was connected to Sitka by the O'Connell Bridge in 1972. Presently, it is the site of a USCG Air Station and Boat Station, University of Alaska Southeast, Mt. Edgecumbe High School, Southeast Alaska Regional Health Center, and the Rocky Guiterrez Airport.

NEW ARCHANGEL DANCERS
Authentic Russian and Ukranian dances performed by local women in authentic costumes. They perform when cruise ships are in town. Please check the dance board schedule (which is updated daily) at Harrigan Centennial Hall, downtown, for details, or call (907) 747-5516.

SHEET'KA KWAAN NAA KAHADI TRIBAL COMMUNITY HOUSE
Constructed on a site that once housed the Indian Government School, the Community House offers Native dance performances in full regalia, story telling, cultural events, and a gift shop with authentic Native artwork. Located on Katlian St., next to the Pioneers Home.

SHEET'KA KWAAN NAA KAHADI NATIVE DANCERS
They perform in connection with Sitka Tribal Tours at the Sheet'ka Kwaan Nakahidi Community House. Contact the Sitka Tribe of Alaska for full details at (907) 747-7290.

Article courtesy of the Sitka Conventions and Visitors Bureau.

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