National Register of Historic Places listings in Sitka, Alaska facts for kids

Location of Sitka in Alaska

Sitka, Alaska, is a town rich in history, and many of its important places are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This special list helps protect buildings, sites, and objects that are important to the history of the United States. Think of it like a hall of fame for historic places!

Sitka has 21 places on this list, and 8 of them are even more special. They are called National Historic Landmarks. These landmarks are recognized as being super important to the entire country's history. Let's explore some of these amazing places in Sitka!

What is the National Register?

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worth saving. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to the Register, it means it's recognized for its historical, architectural, archaeological, engineering, or cultural importance. This helps protect these places for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

Famous Landmarks in Sitka

Sitka is home to many incredible National Historic Landmarks. These sites tell stories of Alaska's past, from its Native heritage to its time as a Russian territory and its eventual purchase by the United States.

Castle Hill: Where History Was Made

Castle Hill, also known as Baranof Castle State Historic Site, in an 1827 illustration.

One of the most famous spots in Sitka is the American Flag Raising Site, also known as Castle Hill. This is where a huge moment in history happened! On October 18, 1867, the United States officially bought Alaska from Russia. The Russian flag was lowered, and the American flag was raised for the very first time over Alaska. This event is celebrated every year as Alaska Day.

Old Sitka: A Glimpse into the Past

The Old Sitka Site is another fascinating National Historic Landmark. It's located a few miles north of modern Sitka. This was the first permanent Russian settlement in Alaska, founded in 1799. It was originally called Redoubt St. Michael. Imagine what life was like here over 200 years ago!

Russian Bishop's House: A Historic Home

The Russian Bishop's House, a historic log building in Sitka.

The Russian Bishop's House is a beautiful log house built between 1841 and 1843. It was made for the first Russian Orthodox Bishop of Alaska. This building is a great example of Russian colonial architecture. Today, it's part of the Sitka National Historical Park and helps visitors understand the Russian influence in Alaska.

St. Michael's Cathedral: A Spiritual Center

St. Michael's Cathedral in Sitka.

St. Michael's Cathedral is a very important Russian Orthodox Church in Sitka. The original cathedral was built in the mid-1800s. It was a central part of the Russian community. Although the original building was destroyed by fire in 1966, it was carefully rebuilt to look just like the original. It remains a significant spiritual and historical site.

Sheldon Jackson School: Learning Through Time

Richard Allen Memorial Hall at the former Sheldon Jackson College.

The Sheldon Jackson College, now known as the Sheldon Jackson School, has a long history of education in Alaska. It was founded in 1878 as a training school for Alaska Native children. Over the years, it grew into a college. It played a big role in educating many Alaskans and preserving Native cultures.

Sitka National Historical Park: Totems and Tales

A totem pole at Sitka National Historical Park.

Sitka National Historical Park is a place where you can learn about both Russian and Tlingit history. It's famous for its collection of stunning totem poles, which tell stories of the Tlingit people. The park also protects the site of a battle between the Tlingit and Russian forces in 1804. It's a great place to walk, explore, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the area.

Sitka Naval Base: Protecting the Coast

Buildings at the former Sitka Naval Operating Base.

The Sitka Naval Operating Base and U.S. Army Coastal Defenses on Japonski Island played a crucial role during World War II. This base helped protect Alaska and the Pacific coast. It shows how important Sitka was for military defense during that time.

Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall: A Place for Community

The Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall in Sitka.

The Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall is a very important building for the Alaska Native Brotherhood, an organization that has worked for the rights and well-being of Alaska Native people for over a century. This hall has been a gathering place for meetings, cultural events, and community activities. It represents the strength and resilience of the Alaska Native community.

Russian-American Building No. 29: Trade and History

The Russian-American Building No. 29 is another historic landmark that reminds us of Sitka's Russian past. This building was part of the Russian-American Company, which managed Russia's fur trade and settlements in Alaska. It gives us a peek into the business and daily life of the Russian colonial period.

Other Important Historic Places

Besides the National Historic Landmarks, Sitka has many other places listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each one has its own story and adds to the rich history of the town.

Cable House and Station: Connecting the World

The Cable House and Station on Lincoln Street was once a vital link for communication. It was part of the telegraph cable system that connected Sitka to the rest of the world. Imagine how important this building was before the internet and cell phones!

Sitka Pioneer Home: A Place for Elders

The Sitka Pioneers' Home.

The Sitka Pioneer Home is a beautiful building that has served as a home for Alaska's senior citizens for many years. It's a place where elders can live comfortably and be cared for. It shows the community's respect for its older members.

Sitka US Post Office and Court House: Government Services

The Sitka US Post Office and Court House.

The Sitka US Post Office and Court House is an important building that has housed government services for a long time. It's where people send mail and where legal matters are handled. It's a key part of the town's daily operations.

Sitka National Cemetery: Honoring Heroes

The Sitka National Cemetery.

The Sitka National Cemetery is a special place where military veterans and their families are laid to rest. It's a quiet and respectful place to honor those who have served their country.

Images for kids

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  The Hanlon-Osbakken House.

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  The Mills House.

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  St. Peter's Church.

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  The US Coast Guard and Geodetic Survey Seismological and Geomagnetic House.