Sitka, AK – TENDER PORT

http://www.sitka.com/

http://www.sitka.org/

http://www.travelsitka.com/

http://www.sitkatribe.org/

http://www.sitkahistory.org/

http://cityofsitka.com/

Visitors Guide -

Sitka - http://www.sitka.org/vacationplanner.html

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.

Attractions -

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. National Register of Historical Places.

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.

Mariner's Wall: Located at ANB Harbor, this brick wall with 2,000 inscriptions, representing the rich maritime history of Southeast Alaska and a special memorial to mariners.

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.

ATTRACTIONS:

Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Native Dancers: The Tlingit Dancers perform in connection with Sitka Tribal Tours at the Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Community House.  Hear the songs of tradition handed down by generations of a living culture.  1/2 hour performance, $7 per person

Sheet'ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi Tribal Community House - 200 Katlian Street:  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 small gift shop with authentic Native artwork. Houses the largest hand-carved house screen ("Lovebirds") in Southeast Alaska.  Located in the downtown area on Katlian Street, next to the Pioneers Home.  This unique building can be rented for various events.

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. National Register of Historical Places.

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, and perished in a fire 1898.  On October 18, 1867, it was the site of the transfer of Alaska to the United States.  Each year, Alaska Day is still celebrated Oct. 18.  This historical Site is managed by Alaska State Parks. National Register of Historical Places.

Building 29 (The Log Cache) 206 Lincoln Street:  Building 29, also known as the Tilson Building, is one of the few structures surviving from the Russian era of Alaska History. Built in 1835, it is listed with the National Historic Landmarks. Spruce logs, sawdust insulation system and heavy squared beams support the structure.

Saint Michael's Cathedral: Important collection of Russian Orthodox art and 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. Summer hours, open 9am-4pm on large cruise ship days, or check posted hours on the door. Sundays by appointment only. Winter hours: Call to check hours, (907) 747-8120. A $2.00 donation is requested. National Register of Historical Places. Important collection of Russian Orthodox art and 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. Summer hours, open 9am-4pm on large cruise ship days, or check posted hours on the door. Sundays by appointment only. Winter hours: Call to check hours, (907) 747-8120. A $2.00 donation is requested. National Register of Historical Places.

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 most days, but call to confirm hours (winter hours: 11:00am - 5:00pm Tuesday Friday, Saturday 10am-4:00pm). (907) 747-6455.  Donations are accepted to help support this well-loved city museum.

Harrigan Centennial Hall - http://cityofsitka.com/dept/cent/index.html: 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 in the Isabel Miller Museum, an auditorium for public use, a wildlife display and Baranof Arts and Crafts Association (in the summer months). A large hand carved Tlingit canoe made from one log is displayed under a sheltered area near the building.

New Archangel Dancers - http://www.newarchangeldancers.com/: Authentic Russian and Ukranian dances performed by local women in authentic costumes. They perform when cruise ships are in town (approx. May to September). Please check the dance board schedule (which is updated daily) at Harrigan Centennial Hall, downtown, for details, or call (907) 747-5516 (dancer hotline). Tickets are sold only half hour in advance of each performance at Harrigan Centennial Hall.

Russian Bishop's House - http://www.nps.gov/sitk/: 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 -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 and blossomed.  In April of 1999, St. Peters' by the Sea received the 3rd planting from this Holy Thorn of Glastonbury.

Sheldon Jackson Museum - http://www.museums.state.ak.us/Sheldon%20Jackson/sjhome.html:

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 at 104 College Drive is just a short walk along Lincoln Street, midway from downtown and Sitka National Historical Park. Gift shop on location. Open 9:00am - 5:00pm daily, May to September.  Summer months offer a Native artist demonstration daily. (winter hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm Tuesday - Saturday). Admission is $4.00. (907) 747-8981. National Register of Historical Places.

Sheldon Jackson College Aquarium & Hatchery: Experience the spectacular diversity of the many amazing creatures that thrive in the waters surrounding Sitka. See the ecosystem of Southeast Alaska as depicted by a local artisan's mural and an 800 gallon Wall of Water exhibit. Feel the spiny skin of a star fish, the soft tentacles of a sea anemone, and the coarse shell of an abalone as your hands roam through the three large touch tanks. View the feeding of four species of salmon in the nation's only on-site college run hatchery.  Admission is free. Open during summer season. 801 Lincoln Street. Call for information.  (800) 478-4556

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 and also offers a historical movie. There is an active Tlingit arts program where the public can watch and talk to Native Indian artists, housed in the main building (the Southeast Alaska Cultural Center).  Building admittance fee: May to Sept. $3/person, family pass $15, Gold Age, Golden Access, Golden Eagle & National Park passes honored. 12 yr. and under free. A free, self-guided oceanside trail leads past several totems to the site of the Tlingit fort. Open 8:00am - 5:00pm daily in summer.  (Winter hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Saturday). (907) 747-0110.  Guided ranger walks on various topics are offered throughout the week in the summer months. National Register of Historical Places.

Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center -http://www.nps.gov/sitk/Cultural%20Resources/SEAICCa.htm: The Cultural Center provides a place for local Sitka Tlingit's 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 artists' craft. Located in Sitka National Historical Park's main building. Building admittance: May to Sept. $3/person, family pass $15, Gold Age, Golden Access, Golden Eagle & National Park passes honored. 12 and under free. (907) 747-8061  Email: seaicc@gci.net

Alaska Raptor Center - http://www.alaskaraptor.org/:  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 and view the Center's latest flight barn addition.   Mid - May to mid Sept., daily: 8:00am-4:00pm. Please call to confirm for weekend hours. Winters Hours: please call to confirm hours. $12 for adults, $6 for children, $50 family membership. Call (907) 747-8662   For information, please email: members.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 late fall and early spring months. The park is located about 6 miles south of downtown and has a small sheltered picnic area and free viewing scopes.  A hydro phone is located in the main shelter area to listen to the "songs" of the humpback whales.

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 Gutierrez Airport.