3. Alaska is also home to birds such as albatross, eagles, and loons. There were 3,545 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 37.6% were non-families. As its a small town, the accommodations do book up fast (and that certainly goes for the hotels too!). Table of Contents Facts About Sitka Sitka is a charming city located on Baranof Island, off the coast of Alaska. The current name Sitka (derived from Sheetk, a contraction of the Tlingit Shee At'ik)[5] means "People on the Outside of Baranof Island", whose Tlingit name is Sheet-k X'at'l (here contracted to Shee). Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the US combined. by Sarah Gallo | Jul 21, 2021 | North America, USA | 0 comments. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sitka. [42], Sitka's electrical power is generated by dams at Blue Lake and Green Lake, with supplemental power provided by burning diesel when electric demand exceeds hydro capacity. Sitka was the site of the transfer ceremony for the Alaska purchase on October 18, 1867. I solemnly swear to only send you emails related to traveling, working remotely, and monetizing your social media following. 5. If youre cruising with Alaskan Dream Cruises, youll meet at their Hospitality Suite in the heart of downtown and go on an excursion in Sitka prior to embarkation. In 1990, Sitka fell to 5th largest (4th largest incorporated) with 8,588 residents. If you're lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit charming coastal town, as I did prior to my amazing cruise with, In addition to being a salmon hatchery, Sitka Sound Science Centers mission is research and education. Sitka | Alaska, United States | Britannica The ferry terminal is located 7 miles (11km) north of downtown and a ferry ticket costs about $89 per person each way to Juneau (as of February 2023). When packing for Alaska, theres only one thing to bear in mind: layers, layers, layers! So on October 18, 1867, at this site the documents were signed finalizing the United States purchase of Alaska from Russia for just $7.2 million two cents per acre! 2. Unique Charm and Setting: Sitka is renowned for its picturesque coastal location, nestled between the majestic mountains and the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Alaska's first newspaper following the Alaska purchase, the Sitka Times, was published by Barney O. Ragan on September 19, 1868. Theres beautiful natural light and incredible views of the marina and mountains from the deck, from which you might just see a bald eagle fishing right in front of you. 1. The Southeast Alaska Tourism Council is a cooperative marketing organization whose members represent the convention and visitors bureaus of Alaskas Inside Passage. An estimated 18% of Sitka's population earns at least a portion of their income from fishing and seafood harvesting and processing. . Sitka is on the outer edge of the Inside Passage. If you're lucky enough to have the opportunity to visit charming coastal town, as I did prior to my amazing cruise with Alaskan Dream Cruises, here are 10 interesting things to do in Sitka. The Chugach National Forest in Alaska is the size of New Hampshire. Sitka was named after the Tlingit word Sheetk, which translates to People on the Outside of Baranof Island. The Tlingit people, who have inhabited the region for thousands of years, gave the area its name. 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Alaska State to Discover - Destguides Part of an extensive and rugged field of ancient volcanoes that covers about 100 square miles on the island, Edgecumbe last erupted more than 4,000 years ago. Delays in fall and winter due to Sitka's weather are frequent. [61] Outer Coast College, a private liberal arts college established in 2015, is currently in development as an undergraduate institution founded on the former campus of Sheldon Jackson College. 1. These trees are prized for their durability, usefulness and beauty. Sitka, AK | Things to Do, Recreation, & Travel Information Time needed . You never know when something might happen; take comfort in knowing that whether your flight gets cancelled or you wind up sick and in the hospital, you will be covered. Additionally, KSCT-LP (NBC) Channel 5, KTOO (PBS) Channel 10,[66] and KJUD (ABC/CW) serve the region. Edgecumbe on Japonski Island and Port Alexander and Baranof Warm Springs on Baranof Island. Alaska State Facts - 50States.com - 50states [1] Another notable site is St. Michaels Cathedral, one of the oldest Orthodox cathedrals in the United States. The Alaskan Dream Alaskan Dream Cruises. This is the only dormant volcano in southeast Alaska and is located about 16 miles from the city of Sitka. 11 Alaska is home to 7 of the 9 largest national parks in the U.S. What to do in Sitka on Your Alaskan Cruise | The Roaming Boomers, Revolutionizing Cruise Connectivity: SpaceXs Satellite Internet. Of those, 2,503 were White, 676 Native Americans, 95 Others, 74 Asians and 22 Blacks. Things To Do In Sitka Sitka Map Set sail on a private yacht under the supervision of an experienced licensed captain 1. While the black bears were being fed, the brown bears were adorable playing in the water trying to stay cool on the unusually bright, sunny day. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, Sitka is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. Sitka, city and borough, southeastern Alaska, historically the most notable Alaskan settlement. Incredible Itinerary for Iceland for 5 Days, 47 Awe-Inspiring Places to Visit in New Zealand. Totem poles from Tlingit and Haida areas line the park's scenic coastal trail, and the restored Russian Bishop's House is a rare reminder of . If the magma rises closer to the surface, this would lead to changes in the deformation pattern and an increase in earthquake activity. [46], Old Sitka Dock,[47] located at Halibut Point, one mile south of the Old Sitka State Historical Park, commemorating the 1800s Russian settlement, and six miles north of downtown Sitka, is a private deep water port offering moorage facilities. The tides of Peril Strait allow mainline vessels through only at slack tide.[67]. On Apr 1st 1974 Oliver Brickar pranked the entire town of Sitka, Alaska by dropping burning tires into a dormant volcano before dawn. The U.S. government built a naval air base there during World War II, which swelled the population to nearly 40,000. Below are some interesting facts about Alaska Sealife that are worth your time. The first recorded Alaska Day Festival was held in 1949. Estuary Life Trail Tongass National Forest. Wandering through what's left of Old Sitka. 8. What I appreciate most about the Alaska Raptor Center is that they release all those able back into the wild after being rehabilitated, and they invite the whole community to watch them fly to their freedom. Click Here. [36] In 1970, it fell to 14th place overall (though 7th largest incorporated city) with 3,370 residents. Sheldon Jackson College (1878) has a museum housing the states oldest and one of the best collections of native artifacts and Russian mementos. If you're planning a cruise to Alaska, it's natural to have questions about cruising to the 49th state. Through, As we arrived prior to embarking on the Alaskan Dream, we spent a few hours exploring Sitka with, When packing for Alaska, theres only one thing to bear in mind: layers, layers, layers! Today Sitka encompasses portions of Baranof Island and the smaller Japonski Island, which is connected to Baranof Island by the O'Connell Bridge. The cost to purchase Alaska was $7.2 million, 2 cents per acre. Almost everything is within walking distance from the downtown area which is where the majority of employers are situated. It is a lesser-known cruise port but is a common stop for people looking to experience true Alaska. He did this by igniting hundreds of old tires in the crater. 1) It is believed that Paleolithic people first moved into Alaska sometime between 16,000 and 10,000 B.C.E after they crossed the Bering Land Bridge from eastern Russia. The arts Alaska's Indigenous peoples are well known for their ivory and wood carvings, and the nearly lost art of totem carving has been revived, particularly in Sitka National Historical Park. Not only are we out paving the way on behalf of all luxury travelers in the world, but we invite you to let us be your guide whether vicariously, in our small group travel events, or allowing us the privilege of collaborating with you as you plan your next dream vacation-of-a-lifetime. Top 10 Juneau, Alaska, Facts - Princess Cruises Outdoor Paradise: Sitka offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities. As a permanent settlement, New Archangel became the largest city in the region. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. HD 189733b HD 189733 b is an exoplanet located approximately 63 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Vulpecula. Alaska State Information - Symbols, Capital, Constitution, Flags, Maps St. Michaels Cathedral (Russian Orthodox, 1848) was the first Russian church built in North America; it was rebuilt after a fire destroyed it in 1966. [15] In 1941, construction began on Fort Ray, an army garrison to protect the naval air station. The original church burned to the ground in 1966, losing its handmade bells, the large icon of the Last Supper that decorated the top of the royal doors, and the clock in the bell tower. If youre lucky, youll get a clear view of Mount Edgecumbe (a 3202 foot dormant volcano, last erupted 4200 years ago) too! Sitka was founded in 1799, making it over 220 years old as of 2023. 4. The City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska, encompasses 4,710 square miles, making it the largest city in the United States. Read our Covid Health and Safety. 2. There are beautiful vistas everywhere you turn; from snow-covered mountain peaks to temperate forests, calm waters, and local marinas, its the perfect town to stroll through. It reported 1,190 residents, of whom 861 were Native, 280 were White, 31 were Asian, 17 Creole, and 1 Other. Edgecumbe Hospital, U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, and the port and facilities for the USCGC Kukui.[19]. [35] It did not report a racial breakdown. If possible, Id recommend taking Alaska Airlines, as they have more flight options (it is Alaska after all!). Sitka has an oceanic climate (Kppen Cfb) with moderate, but generally cool, temperatures and abundant precipitation. This area was once the ancestral home of . 25 Fun Facts about Sitka, Alaska - Traveling with the Jones Since my newfound freedom, I have set foot on all seven continents, explored 114 countries, and continue to strive to live life to the fullest. Built in 1848, it is the first Russian Othodox church in North America. This page may contain affiliate links, meaning that The Five Foot Traveler may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Sometimes, they get to be very old, and outrageously tall. 1. Sitka is a small town in Southeast Alaska, known to the indigenous Tlingits as She-it-ka (meaning west of shee, the Tlingit name for what is now called Baranof Island), to the Russians as Novo Arkhangelsk (New Archangel), and to us as Sitka. The name Sitka honours the indigenous heritage and the connection between the city and the land. Here are all the best things to do, places to explore, and sites to see in South East Alaska's historic Sitka. Fun Facts about Alaska State's Geography City Guide: Visit Alaska City Guide for a look at geography, local history, architecture, and culture. Only four issues were published that year, as Ragan cited a lack of resources available at the time. (2000) 8,835; (2010) 8,881. While investigating facts about Sitka Alaska Weather and Sitka Alaska Map, I found out little known, but curios details like: On April 1, 1974, the local residents of Sitka, Alaska woke to their nearby dormant volcano, Mount Edgecumbe, billowing out black smoke. In December 2012 the Blue Lake Expansion project began, which added 27 percent more electricity for the residents of Sitka. When a Coast Guard pilot came closer to investigate, he found 70 tires burning and the words "APRIL FOOL" spray painted into the snow. That said, their specialty is, of course, the raptors. In 2010, it slipped to 7th largest community overall (but still remained the 4th largest incorporated city). Summer is the best time to go for whale watching, but these sea mammals can be viewed any time of the year Alaska has the midnight sun, which means 24 hours of daylight. Alaska Fishing | Sitka Fishing | King Salmon | Alaska Sealife In addition to being a salmon hatchery, Sitka Sound Science Centers mission is research and education. I appreciate your continued support! A popular tourist destination is the citys raptor rehabilitation centre. Population: The population of Alaska is only 740,000 and compared to the population of bears in Alaska, there is 1 bear for every 7 people. [48] A 470-foot-long floating dock for vessels up to 1100 feet was constructed there by its owners in 2012 and was first used in 2013. Bishop Innocent (Ivan Veniaminov) was its first resident. Although the church was restored to its original appearance, one exception was its clock face which is black in photographs taken before 1966, but white in subsequent photos. The racial makeup of the borough, based on one race alone or in combination with one or more other races, was, 64.6% White (including White Hispanic and Latino Americans), 1% Black or African American, 24.6% Native American, 8.1% Asian, 0.9% Pacific Islander, 1.8% from other races. Feel free to set up a tour with him here. Juneau's incorporated area is 2,717 square miles (7,040km2). If you do, you better think again. Situated 95 miles (150 km) southwest of Juneau, on the western coast of Baranof Island in the Alexander Archipelago, it is the only city in southeastern Alaska that lies on the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy walking through the valley and staring up at the snow-covered peaks. Currents of Change. Sitka hosts one active post-secondary institution, the University of Alaska Southeast-Sitka Campus, located on Japonski Island in an old World War II hangar. Edgecumbe Hospital is across Sitka Harbor on Japonski Island, about half a mile from Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport. Visiting Sitka, Alaska - Alaska's Inside Passage 10 Interesting Facts About Sitka, Alaska | Isolated Traveller [6]:4449, Following their victory at the Battle of Sitka, the Russians established the settlement "New Archangel", named after Arkhangelsk. De Stannicovsky. Please note that this site uses cookies to personalise content and adverts, to provide social media features, and to analyse web traffic. The earthquakes likely are caused by stresses in the crust due to this intrusion and the substantial uplift that it is causing. Sitka was the site of the signing of the Alaska Purchase, and became Alaskas capital city. Ten Facts About the U.S. State of Alaska - ThoughtCo