Sitka's History and Facts

The City of Sitka, Alaska

City History: The beautiful seaside city of Sitka, Alaska was inhabited by the Kiksadi Clan, part of the Tlingit Indians. The city is located on the west side of Baranof Island, known to the indians as Shee. The cities name is derived from Shee Atika, meaning people on the outside of Shee. The Russian fur traders settled into the area, led by Alexander Baranof. In the early part of the 1800's the local indians viscously attacked the Russians and their Aelut slaves killing nearly all of them. In 1804, two years after the attack, the Russians, led by Alexander Baranof successfully defeated the Tlingit and reclaimed the island for themselves. In 1867 the U.S. purchased Alaska from the Russians for 7.2 million, a ceremony of the transfer took place in Sitka mid October of 1867. Gold mining and fish processing (canning) were at one time the major industries of this small Alaskan city.

Weather: Summer in Sitka on average are a warm upper fifties to mid sixties with winter temperatures averaging much lower at near 35 degrees. Sitka is also known for its liquid sunshine (rainfall).

• The first Alaska Newspaper was published in Sitka, September 1868.
• Sitka is the largest incorporated borough in the U.S.A. with an area of over 4800 miles (including land and water).
• There are over 8,000 Sitka residents.

Sitka City Links: Trek the virtual pages of Sitka, learn more about the Baranof Island.

Sitka Visitors and Convention Bureau

Live Web Cam in Sitka, Alaska

City of Sitka