Sitka, Alaska

The Kiksadi clan of the Tlingit people lived in Shee-Atika for centuries before the arrival of the Russians.  The Russians settled Old Sitka in 1799.  Alexander Baranov, manager of the Russian-American Company, became governor of New Archangel, the Russian name for Sitka.

Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano on Kruzof Island, seen in the background

In 1867, the United States purchased Alaska from Russia.  The sale took place on Castle Hill on October 18, 1867.  Panoramic views of Sitka and Sitka Sound are found at the top.  The above photo was taken on Castle Hill.  

In 1804, the Russians and Tlingits fought a battle at the site that is now Sitka National Historical Park.  The totem pole in the above picture is the K'alyaan Pole, a memorial to the Kiksadi who lost their lives in the battle.  The pole is named after K'alyaan, the Kiksadi leader.  

The top figure on the totem pole is a raven, which represents the Raven clan.  Below the raven are other clan figures:  woodworm, sockeye salmon, dog salmon, beaver, and frog.  The bottom figure represents the helmet worn by K'alyaan during the battle.

There is a totem-pole trail that you can follow in the park.

Between 1903 and 1904, Governor Brady was concerned that native traditional art was disappearing as Alaskan coastal villages were becoming sparsely populated due to disease.

He collected totem poles from around Alaska and brought them to a place where they could be preserved.  Having the poles in one location would also allow them to be viewed.