Sitka has been the home of the Tlingit for thousands of years. The Russians came in 1742 and made their first settlement 7 miles north of Sitka in 1799. The Tlingit drove the settlement out in 1802. In 1804 the Russians came back, and after the "Battle of Alaska," settled in to the area that is now Sitka. In 1867 the transfer from Russia to the United States happened in Sitka, and Sitka became the capital of Alaska. At the beginning of the 20th century the capital moved to Juneau. Sitka remains, I think, the nicest town in Alaska, with heritage from Tlingit, Russians and Americans. The two churches you see below are St. Michaels Russian Orthodox Cathedral (Sitka's landmark) and St. Peters by the Sea Episcopal Church. St. Peters was the Episcopal Cathedral until the church moved the see to Fairbanks. More people in Sitka are employed in fishing than in any other industry. Healthcare is the largest income producer for the economy. The largest single employer is the South East Alaska Regional Health Corporation (SEARC). The Sitka Pioneer's home and a local community hospital round out the health care industry. Education is also a large employer, with Sheldon Jackson College, the University of Alaska Southeast and Mt. Edgecumbe Boarding High School. Tourism and boat building are also major employers. New York Waterways Ferries are built at Allen Marine in Sitka. All photos copyright © Rich McClear, 2001, 2002 and 2003.
If you want to see family pictures taken in Sitka click on this line