History of Sitka Borough, Alaska
Sitka, located on the western coast of Baranof Island in southeastern Alaska, is one of the state’s most historically significant regions, rich in Native Alaskan culture, Russian colonial influence, and American expansion. Sitka Borough, officially established in 1971, is a unified city-borough known for its deep Tlingit heritage, its role as the capital of Russian America, and its strategic importance in the U.S. acquisition of Alaska. From its Tlingit roots to becoming the site of the Alaska Purchase in 1867, Sitka has played a critical role in shaping Alaska’s cultural and political history. Today, Sitka is a hub for tourism, fishing, and cultural preservation.
Sitka Borough Facts
- Founded: December 2, 1971
- Population: Approximately 8,500 (as of 2020)
- Area: 4,815 square miles
- Area Code: 907
- ZIP Code: 99835
- Borough Seat: Sitka
- Major Cities: Sitka (the only incorporated city in the borough)
- Famous Landmarks:
- Sitka National Historical Park
- St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral
- Castle Hill (Baranof Castle State Historic Site)
- Mount Edgecumbe (volcano)
- Sheldon Jackson Museum
Early History of Sitka Borough (Pre-1800s)
Tlingit People and Early Inhabitants
Long before European exploration, the region now known as Sitka was home to the Tlingit people, an Indigenous group whose presence in southeastern Alaska dates back thousands of years. The Tlingit were skilled hunters, fishers, and traders who thrived in the region’s abundant natural resources, including fish, game, and plants. Their society was structured around clans, and they maintained sophisticated social, political, and economic systems.
The Tlingit name for the area is “Sheet’ká,” meaning “people on the outside of Baranof Island.” Their villages were strategically located along the coast, where they could take advantage of the rich marine environment, especially the plentiful salmon runs. The Tlingit also traded extensively with other Native Alaskan groups and established trade routes reaching as far south as the Pacific Northwest.
Russian Exploration and the Colonial Era (1741-1867)
Russian Exploration and the Fur Trade (1741-1799)
Russian interest in Alaska began with the 1741 expedition of Danish explorer Vitus Bering, who sailed under the Russian flag. Bering’s voyages led to the discovery of Alaska and sparked Russian interest in the lucrative fur trade, particularly sea otter pelts, which were highly valued in Chinese markets. Russian explorers, traders, and settlers soon followed, establishing trading posts and outposts along Alaska’s coastline.
By the late 1700s, Russian fur traders, led by the Russian-American Company, had begun to move into southeastern Alaska, where they encountered the Tlingit people. Tensions between the Russians and the Tlingit often flared as the Russians attempted to assert control over the fur trade and Indigenous lands. The Tlingit fiercely resisted Russian encroachment, defending their territory and way of life.
The Founding of New Archangel (1799)
In 1799, Russian explorer Alexander Baranov, the chief manager of the Russian-American Company, founded a settlement at Sitka, naming it “New Archangel” (Novo-Arkhangelsk). The location was chosen for its strategic position along key trade routes and its access to rich natural resources, including fur-bearing animals. However, the settlement was built in Tlingit territory, and the Tlingit people viewed the Russian presence as an invasion.
In 1802, the Tlingit attacked and destroyed the Russian settlement at New Archangel, forcing Baranov and his men to flee. However, Baranov returned in 1804 with a fleet of ships and reinforcements, leading to the Battle of Sitka. After a brief but intense conflict, the Tlingit were forced to retreat into the mountains, and the Russians reestablished their settlement, which became the capital of Russian America.
Sitka as the Capital of Russian America (1808-1867)
In 1808, Sitka (New Archangel) was named the capital of Russian America, solidifying its importance as the center of Russian colonial power in Alaska. The settlement grew into a bustling port and trading center, with a population that included Russian officials, fur traders, Aleut hunters, and Indigenous laborers. Russian Orthodox missionaries arrived during this period, introducing Christianity to the region and establishing a lasting religious influence.
The Russian Orthodox Church played a significant role in Sitka’s development, with St. Michael’s Cathedral becoming a prominent symbol of Russian culture and faith in Alaska. The cathedral, built in the mid-19th century, remains an iconic landmark in Sitka today.
The Alaska Purchase and Early American Period (1867-1900)
The Alaska Purchase (1867)
By the mid-19th century, Russia’s hold on Alaska had weakened due to economic difficulties, competition with other colonial powers, and logistical challenges. In 1867, Russia agreed to sell Alaska to the United States for $7.2 million in what became known as the Alaska Purchase. The formal transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place on October 18, 1867, at Castle Hill in Sitka, where the Russian flag was lowered and the American flag was raised in a symbolic ceremony.
Sitka briefly became the capital of the newly acquired U.S. territory of Alaska and served as the administrative and military center for the American government. The transition from Russian to American control brought significant changes to the region, including new economic opportunities and an influx of American settlers, merchants, and military personnel.
Sitka’s Role in Early American Alaska
In the years following the Alaska Purchase, Sitka remained a key hub of American activity in the territory. The town’s economy shifted from fur trading to fishing, logging, and mining, as new industries emerged to exploit Alaska’s natural resources. The U.S. military also maintained a presence in Sitka, using the town as a base for operations in the region.
However, Sitka’s prominence as the territorial capital was short-lived. In 1906, the capital was moved to Juneau due to Sitka’s relatively isolated location and its declining importance as a commercial center. Despite losing its status as the capital, Sitka continued to grow as a fishing and trading port.
20th Century Growth and Development (1900-1960s)
Commercial Fishing and the Seafood Industry
Throughout the 20th century, commercial fishing became one of the most important industries in Sitka. The rich waters surrounding Baranof Island provided abundant resources for salmon, halibut, and other fish species. The establishment of canneries and processing plants in Sitka helped fuel the local economy, with fishing becoming a primary source of employment and income for residents.
The seafood industry expanded rapidly in the early 1900s, and Sitka became known as one of Alaska’s leading fishing ports. Today, commercial fishing remains a vital part of Sitka’s economy, with both large-scale commercial operations and smaller, family-owned businesses contributing to the industry.
World War II and the Military Presence in Sitka
During World War II, Sitka gained strategic importance as part of the U.S. military’s efforts to defend Alaska and the Pacific Northwest from potential Japanese attacks. The U.S. Navy established a seaplane base in Sitka in 1939, which later became Sitka Naval Air Station. The military presence brought new infrastructure, jobs, and residents to the town during the war years.
Although Sitka was never directly attacked, its role in the defense of Alaska highlighted its strategic location along North America’s northern Pacific coastline. After the war, the military scaled back its presence in Sitka, but the town’s infrastructure and economy had benefited from the wartime investment.
Formation of Sitka Borough and Modern Era (1970s-Present)
Formation of Sitka Borough (1971)
On December 2, 1971, Sitka became a unified city-borough, combining the city government with the surrounding borough government. The unification allowed for more efficient management of local services and resources and gave residents more control over the region’s growth and development. Sitka Borough encompasses not only the town of Sitka but also vast areas of surrounding wilderness, islands, and waterways.
Modern Economy and Tourism
In recent decades, Sitka’s economy has diversified to include tourism as a major industry. Visitors are drawn to the town’s rich history, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty. Sitka National Historical Park, which preserves the site of the 1804 Battle of Sitka, is a key attraction, offering visitors a chance to learn about both Tlingit and Russian history. The park also features hiking trails, totem poles, and cultural exhibits.
St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Castle Hill, and the Sheldon Jackson Museum are also popular sites for tourists interested in Sitka’s Russian and American colonial history. Sitka’s scenic location, with views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano, makes it a prime destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
In addition to tourism, Sitka’s fishing industry continues to thrive, with commercial fishing and seafood processing playing a key role in the local economy. The town is also home to a growing arts and cultural scene, with festivals, galleries, and events that celebrate both Indigenous and non-Native traditions.
Cultural and Historical Landmarks in Sitka Borough
Sitka National Historical Park
Sitka National Historical Park is Alaska’s oldest national park, established in 1890. It commemorates the 1804 Battle of Sitka between the Tlingit people and Russian forces. The park is known for its scenic trails, Tlingit totem poles, and exhibits on the region’s history, making it a significant cultural and historical site.
St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral
St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral, built in 1848, is one of Sitka’s most iconic landmarks. The cathedral is a symbol of the Russian Orthodox Church’s influence in Alaska and features traditional Russian architecture. Although the original building was destroyed by fire in 1966, it was rebuilt to match the original design.
Castle Hill (Baranof Castle State Historic Site)
Castle Hill, also known as Baranof Castle State Historic Site, is the location where the formal transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States took place in 1867. The site offers panoramic views of Sitka and the surrounding islands and is an important part of Alaska’s statehood history.
Sheldon Jackson Museum
The Sheldon Jackson Museum, founded in 1888, is one of Alaska’s oldest museums. It houses an extensive collection of Native Alaskan artifacts, including items from the Tlingit, Yup’ik, Inupiat, and other Indigenous cultures. The museum is a key institution for preserving and interpreting Alaska’s Native heritage.
Present-Day Sitka Borough
Population and Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Sitka Borough has a population of approximately 8,500 people. The population is diverse, with a significant number of Tlingit residents, as well as people of Russian, American, and other cultural backgrounds. The borough’s population is spread across Sitka and the surrounding areas, with most residents living in the city of Sitka.
Economy and Infrastructure
The economy of Sitka Borough is driven by a combination of tourism, fishing, and public services. The borough’s infrastructure includes a well-developed port, airport, schools, and healthcare facilities that support both residents and visitors. The fishing industry, particularly for salmon, halibut, and crab, remains a cornerstone of the local economy, while the growing tourism sector provides additional opportunities for employment and economic development.
