Sitka, Alaska

Sitka is a photographers dream- a pure display of haunting beauty.  Not only is the sheer beauty captivating, but the Tlingit culture, Russian influences, arts, and artifacts remain a part of the local color. Sitka has year-round access to outdoor recreation in the Gulf of Alaska and Tongass National Forest. Sitka is also home to the Raptor Rehabilitation Center. This is where dedicated volunteers nurse injured or sick birds of prey back to health so that they can be returned to the Wild. Birds that don’t fully recover are kept at the center and can be seen as part of a tour.  You won't miss St Michael's Cathedral, near the city's waterfront; it is a replica of the 100-year-old Russian Orthodox cathedral that burned down in 1966. Sitka's residents pulled together and saved the priceless treasures and icons inside. They are currently on display in the cathedral.  Sitka happens to be home to some of my favorite people.  To know the people is to know beauty does come with brains and personality. 

Sitka was originally inhabited by a major tribe of Tlingits, who called the village "Shee Atika." It was discovered by the Russian Vitus Bering expedition in 1741, and the site became the "New Archangel" in 1799. St. Michael's Redoubt trading post and fort were built here by Alexander Baranof, manager of the Russian-American company. Tlingits burned down the fort and looted the warehouse in 1802. In 1804, the Russians retaliated by destroying the Tlingit Fort in the Battle of Sitka. This was the last major stand by the Tlingits against the Russians, and the Indians evacuated the area until about 1822. By 1808, Sitka was the capital of Russian Alaska. Baranof was Governor from 1790 to 1818. During the mid-1800s, Sitka was the major port on the north Pacific coast with ships calling from many nations. Furs destined for European and Asian markets were the main export, but salmon, lumber and ice were also exported to Hawaii, Mexico and California. After the purchase of Alaska by the U.S. in 1867, it remained the capital of the Territory until 1906 when the seat of government was moved to Juneau. A Presbyterian missionary, Sheldon Jackson, started a school, and in 1878 one of the first canneries in Alaska was built in Sitka. During the early 1900's, gold mines contributed to its growth, and the City was incorporated in 1913. During World War II, the town was fortified and the U.S. Navy built an air base on Japonski Island across the harbor, with 30,000 military personnel and over 7,000 civilians. After the war, the BIA converted some of the buildings to be used as a boarding school for Alaska Natives that became Mt. Edgecombe High School. The U.S. Coast Guard now maintains the air station and other facilities on the Island. A large pulp mill began operations at Silver Bay in 1960.

The economy is diversified with fishing, fish processing, tourism, government, transportation, retail, and health care services. Cruise ships bring over 200,000 visitors annually.  Sitka Sound Seafood and the Seafood Producers Co-op are major employers. Regional health care services, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard also employ a number of residents.

The State-owned Rocky Gutierrez Airport on Japonski Island has a  paved and lighted runway, an instrument landing system, and a 24-hour FAA Flight Service Station. Daily jet service is provided, and several scheduled air taxis, air charters and helicopter services are available. Cruise ships anchor in the Harbor and tender visitors to shore. The Alaska Marine Highway system (state ferry) has its own docking facility outside of town. Freight arrives by barge and cargo plane.