The Alaskan town of Sitka has enjoyed a very unique history, which is reflected in the eclectic blend of architecture and attractions. The area which is now Sitka was originally home to the Kiksadi Clan of the Tlingit people. The Russians arrived in 1799 under the forces of Alexander Baranof, and he liked the site so much because of its mild climate and abundant resources that he moved his otter and seal hunters to an outpost here from Kodiak Island. The Tlingits attacked and burned down the settlement in 1802, but the Russians returned in 1804 with shipboard cannons and drove the Tlingits 70 miles north to Chichagof Island.
After you disembark from your cruise ship, one of the first buildings you will come to is the Harrigan Centennial Hall, which is the location of the Sitka Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Harrigan Centennial Hall also houses the Isabel Miller Museum, with its Russian, American and Tlingit artifacts, and an auditorium where dance performances take place when cruise ships are in port. Nearby is the famous Saint Michael's Cathedral, which was built in the 1840s, burned in a fire in 1966, and rebuilt using the original blueprints in 1976. A few blocks away you can see the Russian Bishop’s House on Lincoln Street. This was built in 1842, and is one of the few remaining Russian log structures left in Alaska. Park Service rangers lead guided tours of this carefully restored building. If you follow Lincoln Street along the water, you will come to the Sitka National Historical Park on Metlakatla Street. Here you can watch as native artists and craftsmen demonstrate traditional Tlingit crafts such as weaving, basket making and silversmithing. There are also videos programs and exhibits about native and Russian artifacts, as well as a self-guided forest trail past 15 beautifully carved totem poles to the site of the Tlingit Fort.
One of the more unique attractions in Sitka is the Alaska Raptor Center, located just a short taxi ride away off Sawmill Creek Road. Here you will find wild birds such as raptors, hawks, owls and eagles being nursed back to health after an injury. The main attraction is a huge (20,000 square feet!) flight training center, where eagles re-learn such survival skills such as flying and catching fish in a simulated setting as they recover from their injuries. There is nothing quite like this center anywhere else in the world.
Sitka is one of the most culturally interesting inside passage towns in Alaska, and one which you can explore easily on foot as you enjoy your day in port. Stephanie Larkin is the editor of http://www.CruiseLinesandPorts.com, as well as http://www.Cruise-To-Alaska.net. She and her family love to cruise - her 3 children especially love the towel animals and chocolates left on the beds at night! |
