Established in 1910 to commemorate the 1804 Battle of Sitka, all which remains of this last major conflict between Europeans and Alaska Natives is the site of the Tlingit Fort and battlefield, located within this scenic 113-acre park in a temperate rainforest. Southeast Alaska totem poles, Native artisans demonstrating traditional arts and tours of the Russian Bishop's house provide a unique cultural experience, while spectacular scenery dominates the park's coastal trail - a perfect place for bird watching, fishing or beach walks.
Sitka, with views of island-studded waters and stately spruce forests reaching to the water's edge, is considered one of Alaska's most beautiful seaside towns. Adding to its charm, Sitka offers a unique mingling of Tlingit culture and Russian history.
Activities and Attractions
There are plenty of opportunities to soak up history in this park, with attractions such as the Tlingit fort and battlefield and the Memorial to the Russian Midshipmen. One of the park's most well known features is the two-mile Totem Loop Trail, which features a collection of Northwest Coast totem poles. These totem poles were donated by villages throughout Southeast Alaska, and brought to Sitka in 1905 by Alaska's District Governor John Brady.
Also in the park is the Russian Bishop's House, which is one of only three surviving examples of Russian colonial architecture in North America. The Visitor Center & Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center offers visitors the opportunity to watch Tlingit artisans at work.
Accessibility
Sitka is located on Baranof Island on Alaska's southeastern panhandle. The city is accessible only by air or sea. Commerical airlines fly directly from Seattle, Juneau and Anchorage. Sitka is also a port of call for ferries on the Alaska Marine Hghway System and many cruise ships. The park is within walking distance of downtown Sitka.
Fees and Visitor Count
Visitor Center: $4 per person; Russian Bishops House: $4 per person; $15 annual pass grants entry to both. About 290,000 visitors access the park each year.
Weather and Cllimate
Summers are generally cool and dry, with temperatures ranging between 50°F and 70°F. Jackets are recommended. Winter temperatures range from the high teens to 40°F.
Facilities
Visitor Center & Southeast Alaska Indian Cultural Center - 907-747-6281 - Located at the south end of Lincoln Street, approximately 1/2 mile from downtown Sitka (Open year-round, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)
Russian Bishop's House - 907-747-0110 - Located at 501 Lincoln Street in downtown Sitka (Open May-September, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; October-April by appointment)
History
The area was established as a public park in 1890, making it Alaska's oldest federally designated park. It became a national monument in 1910 to commemorate the 1804 Battle of Sitka, which was the last major conflict between the indigenous Tlingit Indians and the Russians. It was designated a national historical park in 1972.
http://www.nps.gov/sitk/index.htm