SITKA - A DASH OF FASCINATING HISTORY

SITKA, ALASKA

When we head to the U.S., we usually head to one of the megacities on the east or west coasts. This time we suggest that, if your trip leads you to North America, you visit one of the most beautiful corners of this great country – Sitka, a beautiful town in Southeast Alaska

You don’t often hear of this small town. That’s because it is a hidden gem – a place so special that it is widely accepted as the most beautiful town in Alaska. The natural beauty of Sitka is overwhelmingly. The small town is situated between a mountain range (known as the Sisters) and the sea. The beauty is rugged and wild. For hikers, hunters, fishermen, and climbers, it is an escape from the bustle of the rest of the world. A remote place full of raw beauty, untouched by the modern world.

With all of Alaska’s natural wonderment, it’s easy to forget about the

blending of Russian and Native cultures that make it unique. Not so in Sitka. From architecture to dance, the two prongs of this area’s history meld into one rich historic pot…and an interesting short visit.

Sitka is perhaps the most beautiful of Southeast Alaskan community, and that, combined with its dense history, means you should plan on at least a day to look around. Nestled on the west side of Baranof Island, midway between Ket-

The only way to visit Sitka is either by sea or air. Arriving by air is the best way to appreciate Sitka’s stunning setting. From above, you can really see how this small town is situated between a mountain range (known as the Sisters) and the sea. When the sky is clear, you can see snow-capped peak of Mount Edgecumbe, a dormant volcano that rises almost 1,000 meters.

chikan and Skagway, it’s flanked on the east by majestic snow-capped mountains and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.

The area was first home to rich, sophisticated Tlingits, who put up quite a fight after Russian Alexander Baranof established a headquarters here in 1799 to grow even wealthier in the trading of sea otter fur. Two of the bloodiest encounters of the era were fought near here, with the natives winning round one and the Russians trumping them with cannons to win round two.

Even after the Russians sold Alaska to America in 1867—another event that happened here—the Russian influence lives on. With much of the rest of Alaska still relatively young, Sitka is the place for a dash of fascinating history—along with its gorgeous scenery.