Sitka National Historical Park

Address:Sitka, Alaska
Tel: (907) 747-0110

The existence of two ethnic groups in Alaska is recounted at the Sitka National Historical Park in Sitka, Alaska. The park commemorates the existence of the Tlingit and the Russian colonialists, and offers programs and exhibits to teach visitors about the history of these two cultures.

For thousands of years, the Tlingit people lived in the temperate rainforests of southeastern Alaska. In 1804, native Tlingit fought off attacking Russian fur traders at the Battle of Sitka. In 1890, President Benjamin Harrison set aside for public use the fort used by the Tlingit in the battle. From 1903 to 1905, totem poles were brought from all over Alaska to be displayed in the fort. In 1910, the site was officially declared the Sitka National Historical Park.

The visitor center at the Sitka National Historical Park offers a 12-minute orientation film called "The Voices of Sitka," that weaves together the stories of historical and modern Sitkans. A variety of ranger-guided walks cover topics ranging from the Russian colonial period to the history of the totem poles still found at the Sitka National Historical Park. The beautiful surroundings of the park are open for nature walks and the Russian Bishop's House, a restored, 1843 log cabin, is well worth a visit. The house, one of the last surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America, conveys the legacy of Russian America through exhibits, refurbished living quarters and the Chapel of the Annunciation. After a visit at the park, visitors can find plenty of restaurants within walking distance, including pizza and Japanese cuisine.

To get to the Sitka National Historical Park, fly to Baranof Island from Anchorage, Juneau or Seattle.